How to File a Declaration of Exemption for a Single Family Dwelling

Certain single-family homes and separately sold condominiums may qualify for an exemption from the Rent Control Law. Property owners must certify under penalty of perjury that on July 1, 1984, their home was either:

  • vacant or
  • was not being used for residential rental purposes.

In addition, property owners must not own a contiguous lot with residential units. Acceptance of this declaration is not automatic.

Continue the Process:
  1. + -

    Download and complete the Declaration for Permanent Exemption of a Single-Family Home found here.

  2. + -

    Mail completed declaration with your original "wet" signature to the address on the form.

Property owners may now file this application entirely online using our Civics system. To use Civics, you will first need to create a user profile. To create a profile go to rentcontrol.santamonica.gov and click the Create a Profile link at the bottom of the page. Once you have submitted your request, staff will set up your account and email you a temporary password for login. This may take from one to seven days. The email with the temporary password will be sent by Hansen@smgov.net.) When you login, you will first be prompted to create your own password. Please take note of it for future reference. To submit an application for exemption, click Submit a Record at the top of your Civics dashboard, then select SFD 1815 Declaration Exemption from the Exemptions menu on the lower left.