According to the Santa Monica Rent Control Board these are the basic facts about changes to rent control that occurred on January 1, 1999:
Rent Control continues!
Rents may not be increased for current tenants living in their apartments.
Rents may not be increased for current tenants who moved into condominiums or single family homes before January 1, 1996.
Rents may be increased (with 30 days written notice) for current tenants who moved into condominiums or single family homes after January 1, 1996.
After January 1, 1999, owners and incoming new tenants will agree upon a rental amount they believe is fair for the apartment and amenities being offered (market rate). This amount will become the new maximum allowable rent (MAR) and will be registered with the Rent Control Board.
Eviction protections in the Rent Control Law remain in place for all renters.
For more information about these changes, contact the Rent Control Board at (310) 458-8751.
If your landlord tries to get you out of you unit by any means, including harassment, call the Rent Board, the City Attorney at 458-8336 and SMRR at 394-0848.
Tenants must be careful and vigilant. At the first sign of a problem or if you have a question, consult a tenant attorney or call the Rent Control Board (458-8751), the City Attorney (458-8336) or SMRR (394-0848) to make reports or get help.
It is important to document what goes on between you and your landlord. Keep a date/time log of conversations and events. When you have to complain to your landlord, do so in writing. Keep copies of everything.
Tenant Protections: In Santa Monica tenants may only be evicted for good cause. An anti-harassment ordinance provides civil and criminal penalties against landlords who maliciously try to annoy renters out of their homes.
You can prevent most evictions by following these guidelines:
Pay your full rent on time.
Do not break any of the terms in your rental agreement.
Do not take in roommates or subtenants without consulting an attorney.
Do not bring in pets without consulting an attorney.
Consult an attorney immediately if a new rental agreement is proposed
Do not agree to new house rules without an attorney.
Do not alter your rental unit without the owners permission.
Do not disturb the quiet enjoyment of those living around you.
You must provide access to the landlord for making repairs and showing the unit to prospective purchasers or lenders. You may require 24 hours notice and entry during normal business hours. In an emergency, the landlord may enter without notice at any time.
If something is wrong with your unit or services have been reduced, you may apply for a rent decrease through the Rent Board. This usually causes things to be fixed.