Santa Monica Housing Office - Tenants' Rights

Affordable Housing

FAQ

My apartment needs repairs.

To see what repairs your landlord is legally responsible for, visit the City of Santa Monica Consumer Protection Division apartment repairs page.

I think I’m being discriminated against.

It’s unlawful to discriminate in housing based on these factors: Race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (families with children under the age of 18, or who are expecting a child), handicap (if you or someone close to you has a disability). Learn more about the Fair Housing Act.

If you think you’re being discriminated against, contact:
The City of Santa Monica Consumer Protection Division
1685 Main Street, third floor
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Tel (310) 458-8336
TYY (310) 458-8696

I have questions about eviction, relocation, security deposits, tenant harassment, or owner disputes.

Visit the Santa Monica Rent Control Information by Subject page. If you are a Santa Monica Housing Authority (SMHA) participant and you’ve received a notice related to the above from your landlord, please let your housing specialist know. For LA County residents, visit the Los Angeles County Consumer Protection Division.

A property owner is refusing to rent to me because I receive rental assistance.

Santa Monica Municipal Code § 4.28.030 says that landlords cannot "refuse to rent or lease a housing accommodation...or otherwise deny to or withhold from any person or persons, a housing accommodation" on the basis of source of income. If you are a qualified renter and an owner is refusing to rent to you because of your income source, contact the City Attorney’s Office.

I have questions about the Tenant Protection Act of 2019

See the FAQs prepared by the Chief Consultant of the Housing Committee.