How to Apply for an Owner-Occupied Unit Fee Waiver

Property owners who own at least a 25 percent interest in the property as a natural person may apply for a waiver of Rent Control registration fees for the unit they occupy as their primary residence. When the owner no longer lives on the property as his or her primary residence, or if title changes, the waiver will lapse.

Applicants must furnish proof of ownership and primary residence.

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The following steps will help you apply for an Owner-Occupied Unit Fee Waiver

  1. Step 1: Get the Application

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    You may download an application here. You will need to print the form. 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. Enter the Property Address

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    Enter the property address and be sure to identify the unit you live in at the top of the form.

  3. Step 2: Provide Applicant Information

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    List the Owner(s)/Applicant Name(s) and a daytime telephone number.

    Note: Two or more owners residing together in a unit may aggregate their interest provided that the total is at least 25%.

  4. Step 4: Attach Required Documentation

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    Proof of Ownership:

    • Copy of grant deed (A deed of trust cannot be accepted.) 
    • If title is held by a revocable trust, include a copy of the trust document.

    Proof of Primary Residence:

    Two of the following types showing your name at the property address are required.

    • Copy of driver’s license
    • Copy of telephone, cable, or utility bill
    • Voided personal check


  5. Step 5: Print the form and complete the Declaration

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    Print the application and sign the declaration affirming that all information stated on this form is true and correct with a pen. 

  6. Step 6: Mail the completed form and supporting documents

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    Mail the completed application form and 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 in writing about the fee waiver and any next steps that may be required. 

Owners 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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