How to Apply for a Clean Beaches and Ocean Parcel Tax Waiver

Low-income tenants may qualify for a waiver of the monthly Clean Beaches and Ocean Parcel Tax Surcharge. If you apply for the waiver and it is granted, a refund of your share of the tax will be sent to the property owner (and the owner’s property tax bill will be reduced in future years to reflect that you were granted a waiver). Once granted, the Clean Beaches and Ocean Parcel Tax Surcharge may not be added to your rent. You are eligible if the annual gross income of your household in 2023 was less than the following: 

Maximum Annual Income by Household Size

  • 1-person:  $38,942
  • 2-or-more-person:  $44,625

Proof of income must be provided along with the application. Tenants also need to provide a copy of their most recent rent increase notice (Notice of Change in Terms of Tenancy) listing the Clean Beaches & Ocean Tax surcharge.

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The following steps will help you apply for a Clean Beaches and Ocean Parcel Tax Waiver

  1. Step 1: Get the Application

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    You may download an application here. You will need to print the form to complete it on paper. If you would rather get a paper application from us, please email us at rentcontrol@santamonica.gov or call (310) 458-8751 during business hours to request that an application be mailed to you.

  2. Step 2: Provide Tenant Information

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    Enter your name, phone number, address, unit number, and zip code.

  3. Step 3: Provide Property Owner's Name

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    Enter the name of the owner of the property where you live. If you do not know the name of the property owner you can call the Rent Control Office at (310) 458-8751 and ask to speak to an Information Coordinator for assistance.

  4. Step 4: Attach Proof of Income

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    In support of your application you must attach copies of the following documents to show your annual gross income:

    ● Copy of your 2023 federal tax return and all schedules (if you were required to file);

    ● If you did not file a federal tax return, then attach all other proof of income including: Form 1099 for Social Security & SSI benefits; pension, dividends, interest, etc.;

    ● Documentation of any income not listed in above documents;

    AND

    ● Please also attach a copy of the most recent rent increase notice you received from owner that shows you are being charged a Clean Beaches and Ocean Parcel Tax Surcharge.

  5. Step 5: List all other members of household over 18 years old:

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    List the names of other people who live with you who are at least 18 years old. For each of these people, you will also need to attach the types of documents specified above as Proof of Income.

  6. Step 6: Complete the Declaration

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    Enter your name in the Declaration section of the form. Then enter the date, month, and city where you are signing the Declaration. Then add your signature to affirm that all information stated on this form is true and correct with a pen. 

  7. Step 7: Mail the completed form and supporting documents

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    Mail the completed application form and copies of all supporting documents to:

    Santa Monica Rent Control

    1685 Main Street, Room 202 

    Santa Monica, CA 90401


    You do not need to send the form or any of the supporting documents to your landlord. 

    Rent Control Staff will reach out to you and your landlord in writing about the fee waiver and any next steps that may be required. 

Tenants can now file this form entirely online using our new CIVICS online portal! To begin, you must first set up a CIVICS user profile. You can do that by completing this simple CIVICS Request Form. Once we have received your request, we will configure an account for you. You will then receive an email with your login information and a temporary password. Please note that until you receive your login information, you will not be able to use CIVICS. 

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