Local program · Santa Monica
Santa Monica rent control: the Maximum Allowable Rent system and official resources
Santa Monica administers its own Rent Control program through the Rent Control Board, separate from the statewide Tenant Protection Act. Coverage, the Maximum Allowable Rent (MAR), and notice requirements are property- and tenancy-specific.
Current official-source position
What an owner should understand first.
Santa Monica sets rent increases through a Maximum Allowable Rent (MAR) system rather than the statewide percentage-based formula. Each year, the Rent Control Board announces a General Adjustment (a percentage applied to a unit's existing MAR) along with a maximum dollar increase that caps the adjustment for higher-rent units. Because Santa Monica administers its own Rent Control program, that board-set adjustment governs covered units instead of the statewide Tenant Protection Act cap. The Board's Maximum Lawful Rent page publishes the current General Adjustment, the dollar cap, and the effective date each cycle; confirm those figures there before calculating an increase.
Santa Monica uses a Maximum Allowable Rent (MAR) system, not the statewide percentage formula.
The Rent Control Board sets a General Adjustment percentage annually, capped at a maximum dollar increase for higher-rent units.
The board-set adjustment governs covered units instead of the statewide Tenant Protection Act cap.
The current percentage, dollar cap, and effective date are published on the Board's Maximum Lawful Rent page and change each cycle.
Before changing a tenancy
Five checks before action.
A broker can identify sale and valuation implications. An attorney or appropriate housing professional should evaluate the legal facts and documents.
- 01Confirm the unit's Rent Control status and current MAR
- 02Verify the General Adjustment applies to the specific tenancy
- 03Follow the Board's current notice format and timing
- 04Check for pending petitions or exceptions on the unit
- 05Confirm figures directly with the Rent Control Board before acting
Official reading
Continue at the original source.
These are summaries and links, not copied municipal articles. Open the source to review its complete language, forms, dates, and contact information.
Maximum Lawful Rent
Official current General Adjustment, dollar ceiling, and Maximum Allowable Rent guidance.
Open official sourceSanta Monica Rent Control Board · Current process explainerHow to Complete the Notice of Change in Terms of Tenancy
Official instructions and timing for notifying a tenant of a rent increase.
Open official sourceCity of Santa Monica · Current department pageRent Control
Official Rent Control Board homepage, forms, petitions, and contact information.
Open official sourceLocal property guide
Connect the housing rules to the real estate.
Return to the Santa Monica market page for property valuation considerations, official planning links, and nearby city coverage.
Confidential owner conversation
Understand the property before choosing the process.
We can review value, timing, buyer positioning, and sale preparation while legal counsel handles legal conclusions and notices.