In a significant move aimed at bolstering the rights of renters, the Santa Monica City Council has unanimously voted to implement new protections for tenants to address the meteoric rise in eviction cases. This move, according to the city's announcement, includes a range of safeguards against surging rent increases, unjust evictions, and harassment. As part of the amendments, the council has taken action to provide financial assistance to victims of "constructive evictions" and bar any excessive rent hikes that could drive tenants from their homes.
These revisions aim to further cement Santa Monica as a city prioritizing justice, equity, and diversity, amidst a backdrop of soaring eviction numbers that have been exacerbated by the expiration of COVID-19 protections. "Renters make up the majority of our Santa Monica community, and many have called this city home for years," Mayor Phil Brock said in the city's press release. These protections are set to take effect 30 days after a second reading, which is scheduled for February 13th.
The approved amendments will not only provide aid for tenants facing untenable rent increases but will also bolster anti-discrimination laws by prohibiting bias based on housing status. This includes preventing landlords from shirking their obligation to make essential repairs mandated by the Santa Monica Housing Authority for participation in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program.
Moreover, residents who fall victim to aggressive landlord tactics like harassment will now find sanctuary under more explicit and comprehensive coverage, as the Tenant Harassment Code has been fortified. Harassment now more clearly includes acts such as changing locks, refusing rent payments, as well as imposing excessive or illegal rent increases. The council has decided to also increase the maximum fine for such offenses to $20,000 per violation. "These amendments further solidify protections for the city’s renters — approximately 70 percent of Santa Monica residents — and create greater housing stability," asserted the city's release.
Finally, the umbrella of protections has been expanded to include tenants in non-rent-controlled housing, with the city making it a point to extend buyout protections. Under these new rules, any deals made where a tenant agrees to vacate their apartment for money or a rent waiver must be for an amount not lesser than that mandated by the Tenant Relocation Code. In addition to these protective measures, the City Council has also directed staff to draft a charter amendment for a public vote that would secure tenants against evictions for trivial rent debts or unauthorized but permissible alterations to their units.
