The Santa Monica Rent Control Board took a position supporting Proposition 99 and opposing Proposition 98. Both propositions will appear on the ballot in the June 3, 2008 statewide election.

Click here for the Rent Control Board's fact sheet

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Public Hearings on June 5, 2008

The Rent Control Board has set the following items for public hearing on June 5^th, 2008 at 7:00pm in the City Council Chambers.

• Consideration of a 2.7% General Adjustment for 2008.  Click here to review the staff report and proposed regulation.

• Consideration of the 2008-2009 Operating Budget. 

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Next Regular RCB meeting - June 5, 2008
7:00 p.m., Council Chamber

** Rent Control Board meetings are aired live **
**  on CityTV cable Channel 16 **

Rent Control Board Meeting Video Archive

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EXTRA, EXTRA: Read the April 2008 Rent Control News, a newsletter published by the Santa Monica Rent Control Board.
This issue contains articles on:

• Rent Control Board Settles Ellis Act Lawsuit;

• Board Authorizes Pass-Through of the Clean Beaches and Ocean Parcel Tax

• Polystyrene Ban to Aid Marine Animals and Seabirds;

• New Rent Control Administrator Named;

• Registration Fee Waivers for Tenants;

• RENTER ASSISTANCE CLAIM: STILL TIME TO APPLY FOR 2007;

• UPCOMING RENT CONTROL EVENTS;

• 40th Anniversary of the Passage of the Federal Fair Housing Act

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Board Authorizes Pass-Through of the
Clean Beaches and Ocean Parcel Tax

On January 10, 2008, the Board authorized owners to pass through the cost of the Clean Beaches and Ocean Parcel Tax to tenants as a surcharge on their rent.  The parcel tax was approved by voters in the November 2006 election.

The Clean Beaches and Ocean Parcel Tax provides for a special exemption from the tax for low-income residents.  Below are the income levels for eligibility for exemption from the surcharge:

1-person household with gross income $25,002 and below;

2-or more person household with gross income $28,650 and below.

Tenants claiming exemption from the pass-through must fill out an application.  Exemption application forms will be available from the Environmental Programs Division and/or Rent Control Board soon.

Click on the links to read the staff report provided to the Board prior to the January 10^th public hearing and adoption of Regulation 3108.

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Interest on Security Deposits Not Required in Santa Monica

Rent Control staff is often asked whether or not owners of Santa Monica property must pay interest on security deposits.  The simple answer is “no” but the reason is more complex.  Click on the link below to read a staff report presented at the September 27, 2007 Rent Control Board meeting.  After discussion, the Board chose to continue its current position of not requiring interest to be paid on security deposits.

Interest on Security Deposits