Santa Monica, CA Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)
Key Facts
- Registration
- Required with Rent Control Board
- Fee
- $240/unit/year
- Tenant Pass-Through
- $10/month with notice
- MAR Database
- Public rent records maintained
Summary
Santa Monica requires all rent-controlled units to be registered with the Rent Control Board. Annual registration fee is $240 per unit for 2025/2026. Half ($10/month) may be passed through to tenants with proper notice. The Board maintains a Maximum Allowable Rent database.
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. (d) This section shall not apply to the following residential real properties: ... (4) Housing that has been issued a certificate of occupancy within the previous 15 years, unless the housing is a mobilehome.
Full Breakdown
Santa Monica may require rental property registration to track housing stock and ensure code compliance. Registered properties are subject to periodic inspections for fire safety, structural integrity, and habitability standards. Landlords must maintain current contact information on file. Registration fees are set by local ordinance per unit annually. Some jurisdictions require registration before renting any residential unit. Certificate of occupancy or rental license may be needed. Properties must pass inspection before initial rental and periodically thereafter. Lead paint disclosure required for pre-1978 buildings. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors must be maintained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register my rental property?
What do rental inspections check?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Rental Registration in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle rental registration.