Overview

Rent Control Law and Regulations

Passage of Rent Control – Charter Amendment

Santa Monica Rent Control was adopted by the voters in April 1979 in response to a shortage of housing units, low vacancy rates and rapidly rising rents.  The law was intended to alleviate the hardship of the housing shortage and to ensure that owners received no more than a fair return. The Regulations were adopted by the Rent Control Board to implement and enforce the Rent Control Law.

Changes to the Charter can only be made by the voters.  Changes to the Regulations are made by the Board.  Prior to adopting changes and/or new regulations the Board will publicize any proposed and/or new regulations in at least one local newspaper and will hold at least one public hearing to consider the views of interested parties.