Does Santa Monica have rent control?

Yes, Santa Monica has local rent control with annual increases capped at 75% of CPI (~1.5–3%).

What is the rent increase cap in Santa Monica?

The cap is 75% of CPI (~1.5–3%) per year.

Are any properties exempt from Santa Monica rent control?

Common exemptions include single-family homes, new construction (typically 15 years), owner-occupied duplexes, and subsidized housing. Covered properties: Buildings with 2+ units built before April 10, 1979.

Santa Monica, CA Rent Control 2026

Santa Monica has rent control: 75% of CPI (~1.5–3%) annual cap on increases. Know the rules before your next rent increase.

Rent control applies in Santa Monica. Annual increases are capped at 75% of CPI (~1.5–3%). Exceeding the cap voids the increase and tenants can recover overpayments plus penalties.

Key Takeaways — Santa Monica Rent Control

Local rent control: Yes — 75% of CPI (~1.5–3%)
Covered properties: Buildings with 2+ units built before April 10, 1979
Enforcement: Santa Monica Rent Control Board
Violation risk: Excess increases must be refunded + enforcement penalties

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Rent Control in Santa Monica

Santa Monica landlords must follow California state law on rent control. Understanding the specific rules, deadlines, and penalties can prevent costly violations.

75% of CPI (~1.5–3%)

annual rent cap

Santa Monica Rent Control Board

enforcement

$2,903

median 2BR rent

Santa Monica-Specific Rules

Santa Monica has local regulations that go beyond California state law:

Santa Monica Rent Control Charter Amendment (1979) limits annual increases for covered units to 75% of CPI (typically 1.5–3%). Covers buildings with 2+ units built before April 10, 1979. Santa Monica's rent control is among the strictest in California — the Rent Control Board independently sets allowable increases each September.

Penalty Warning

Violate California rent control rules in Santa Monica and you could owe back-rent to tenants and face enforcement action. At Santa Monica's median rent of $2,903/month, even a single violation adds up fast.

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More Santa Monica Landlord Laws

Security Deposit Laws → Eviction Process & Notice Requirements → Rent Increase Laws → Landlord Entry & Access Rules → Maintenance & Habitability Standards → Late Fee Limits → Lease Termination & Renewal → Fair Housing Protections → Tenant Screening Rules → Required Landlord Disclosures → Property Registration Requirements →

Rent Control in Nearby Cities

Own properties in multiple cities? Rules may differ locally:

Culver City, CA
Pop. 39,041 Beverly Hills, CA
Pop. 30,974 El Segundo, CA
Pop. 16,445 West Hollywood, CA
Pop. 34,349 Inglewood, CA
Pop. 102,865

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How we researched this page: Rent control rules are based on California state statutes. Rent data comes from HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for Los Angeles County. Last updated: August 2026.

Reviewed by Rachid Abadli

Founder & CEO, LeaseBase · Sacramento landlord · Self-managing since 2019

LeaseBase is a property management platform — not a law firm. Consult an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.