Santa Monica Housing Office - Tenants' Rights


I think I’m being discriminated against.

It’s unlawful to discriminate in housing based on these factors: Race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (families with children under the age of 18, or who are expecting a child), handicap (if you or someone close to you has a disability). Learn more about the Fair Housing Act.

If you think you’re being discriminated against, contact:
The City of Santa Monica Consumer Protection Division
1685 Main Street, third floor
Santa Monica, CA  90401
Tel (310) 458-8336
TYY (310) 458-8696

I have questions about eviction, relocation, security deposits, tenant harassment, or owner disputes.

Visit the Santa Monica Rent Control Information by Subject page. If you are a Santa Monica Housing Authority (SMHA) participant and you’ve received a notice related to the above from your landlord, please let your housing specialist know. For LA County residents, visit the Los Angeles County Consumer Protection Division.

I have questions about the Tenant Protection Act of 2019

See the FAQs prepared by the  Chief Consultant of the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee.

My apartment needs repairs. 

To see what repairs your landlord is legally responsible for, visit the City of Santa Monica Consumer Protection Division apartment repairs page.

A property owner is refusing to rent to me because I receive rental assistance. 

Santa Monica Municipal Code § 4.28.030 says that landlords cannot "refuse to rent or lease a housing accommodation...or otherwise deny to or withhold from any person or persons, a housing accommodation" on the basis of source of income. If you are a qualified renter and an owner is refusing to rent to you because of your income source, contact  the City Attorney’s Office.

I earn low-income and need legal assistance.

Contact Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA).

I have other questions about housing rights in the City of Santa Monica.

Contact the City Attorney’s Office.  

I need additional housing resources for Los Angeles County.

Visit the Los Angeles County Housing Resource Center.