Tenants

Tenant Rights

Learn more about your rights as a tenant.


Utility Allowance Schedule for current Santa Monica voucher holders:

2022 Utility Allowance Schedule

2023 Utility Allowance Schedule (will be effective January 1, 2023)


Tenant Recertification Packet

To verify the tenant's eligibility, income, and family composition for continued participation in the Program.

SMHA Annual Recertification Packet

SMHA Streamline Recertification Packet


Veterans 

Step Up on Second - Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing
(310) 394-6889
Stepuponsecond.org/services/veterans-affairs-supportive-housing-vash

LACounty.gov's list of resources
Housing.lacounty.gov/Veterans.html


Individuals with disabilities

If you or a member of your household has a disability and needs help finding or paying for housing, the following organizations may be able to assist you: 

Disability Community Resource Center (DCRC)
Center for Independent Living dedicated to supporting the equality of life for people with all kinds of disabilities. The Santa Monica office is located at Wise & Healthy Aging at the Ken Edwards Center.
(310) 394-9871

New Hope
Nonprofit organization developing housing for persons disabled by AIDS/HIV. Their main office is located in Glendale, but they have a property in Santa Monica. 
(818) 546-8929  


Rent-control in Santa Monica

For a list of rent-controlled apartments in Santa Monica, visit the Rent Control department's website.


Don't live or work in Santa Monica?

Try contacting the housing authority in the city where you currently live or work to see if they have an open Section 8 waitlist: Los Angeles County Housing Authorities.


Porting

Santa Monica Section 8 Tenants: If you are interested in porting to another city, contact your housing specialist to request the port paperwork. Section 8 recipients interested in moving to Santa Monica: If you have a Section 8 voucher from another city and want to move to Santa Monica, learn how the process of "porting" works.


Senior Housing Programs

Preserving Our Diversity (POD) Program

If you are a senior, age 65 or older, who earns extremely low income and has lived in a Santa Monica rent-controlled apartment since before January 1, 2000, you may be eligible for our POD program, which provides monthly cash assistance.

Section 8 Project-Based Waitlist

The Santa Monica Housing Authority (SMHA) will be closing all open waitlists effective April 21, 2025.

To be considered, applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM on Sunday, April 20, 2025. No new applications will be accepted after this date.

Please note: The waitlist will remain open for individuals and households who qualify for Tier 1 priorities, as outlined in the SMHA Administrative Plan.

Below Market Housing Waitlist

The City of Santa Monica’s Below Market Housing (BMH) waitlist includes buildings, such as Magnolia Villas and Greenway Meadows, that are seniors-only (62+). There are also apartments designated for households needing accessibility features. Learn more about the program and apply to the waitlist here.


Privately-Owned Affordable Senior Housing

For information about availability, waiting lists, and how to apply, please contact each organization directly. 

Adda and Paul Safran Senior Housing in Venice
(310) 450-9545
151 Ocean Front Walk Venice, CA 90291

Barnard Park Villas
(310) 399-7023
3356 Barnard Way, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Fourth Street Senior Citizen Housing
(310) 477-1476 (Hotline) or (310) 475-6083
1116 4th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403 

Geneva Plaza
(323) 258-3512
1441 21st Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404

Lincoln Court
(310) 314-8269 
2807 Lincoln Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90405 

Neilson Villas
(310) 392-3322
3100 Neilson Way, Santa Monica, CA 90405 

Ocean Breeze
(424) 538-5773
1458 14th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404 

Santa Monica Christian Towers
(323) 258-3512 
1233 6th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 

Silvercrest Senior Living
They have amenities on-site for tenants, including a dining room that serves two meals a day (included with the rent). In order to be considered for a vacancy, you have to call every day.
(310) 393-5336
1530 5th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Westminster Towers
(323) 258-3512
1112 7th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403 

Wilshire House
(310) 395-4545
1125 3rd Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401