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.
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.
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.
Overcharging: tenant may recover excess rent plus treble damages. Registration required: non-registration bars rent increases. Wrongful eviction: substantial penalties and relocation assistance.
Santa Monica, CA
Backyard chickens are allowed in Santa Monica with restrictions. Roosters are prohibited in residential areas due to noise. Livestock keeping is restricted b...
Santa Monica, CA
Dogs must be on a leash in all public areas in Santa Monica. Off-leash dogs are only permitted in designated dog parks. The city enforces leash laws through ...
Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica does not impose breed-specific legislation. All dogs must be licensed per CA Food & Ag Code §30500+. Dangerous dog determinations are based on i...
Santa Monica, CA
Feeding wildlife in Santa Monica public parks and beaches is discouraged. The city's property maintenance code addresses nuisance conditions from wildlife at...
Santa Monica, CA
Portable fire pits on private property in Santa Monica must comply with South Coast AQMD regulations. Burns are prohibited on spare-the-air days. Beach fires...
Santa Monica, CA
Properties in fire hazard zones near Santa Monica must maintain defensible space per CA PRC §4291. Santa Monica itself is largely urban/coastal with limited ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle rent control.
See how Santa Monica's rent control rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.