Santa Monica, CA Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)
Rent control rules in Santa Monica, CA, also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances, limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
Key Facts
- Since
- 1979 voter-approved
- 2025 Adjustment
- 2.3%, max $60
- Coverage
- Pre-April 1979 multi-family
- Registration Fee
- $240/unit/year ($10/mo pass-through)
Summary
Santa Monica has one of California's strictest rent control laws, adopted by voters in 1979. The 2025 general adjustment is 2.3% (max $60 increase, effective Sept 1). Covers most multi-family buildings built before April 10, 1979. Annual registration fee is $240/unit.
1947.12. (a) (1) Subject to subdivision (b), an owner of residential real property shall not, over the course of any 12-month period, increase the gross rental rate for a dwelling or a unit more than 5 percent plus the percentage change in the cost of living, or 10 percent, whichever is lower, of the lowest gross rental rate charged for that dwelling or unit at any time during the 12 months prior to the effective date of the increase. (2) If the same tenant remains in occupancy of a unit of residential real property over any 12-month period, the gross rental rate for the unit of residential real property shall not be increased in more than two increments over that 12-month period.
Full Breakdown
Santa Monica's Rent Control Charter Amendment, enacted by voters in 1979, is one of the strongest rent control laws in the United States. The Santa Monica Rent Control Board sets maximum annual allowable rent increases, typically 3 to 5% based on CPI. All residential units in buildings with two or more units built before April 10, 1979 are covered. Just cause eviction protections require valid legal reasons for tenancy termination. The city's strong renter protections have been a defining political issue for decades. Costa-Hawkins Act allows vacancy decontrol upon voluntary vacancy.
Violations & Fines
Overcharging: tenant may recover excess rent plus treble damages. Registration required: non-registration bars rent increases. Wrongful eviction: substantial penalties and relocation assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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Rent Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle rent control.