Santa Monica rent control: General Adjustment from September 2026
Allowed increase for covered units: 2.6% (max $70) (September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027). Previous period: 2.3% (max $60) (September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026).
Checked against the official Santa Monica sources on November 8, 2026. Last site change: November 8, 2026 (changelog).
How the increase is set
75% of the change in the Los Angeles-area CPI for the 12 months ending in March, with a dollar ceiling set by the Rent Control Board. Effective September 1 each year.
What else to know
- 2026: 2.6% (CPI 3.4% × 75%), at most $70 a month for units with a Maximum Allowable Rent of $2,674 or more.
- Only for tenancies that began before September 1, 2025, with the unit properly registered and fees paid.
- The notice must use the Board's “Notice of Change in Terms of Tenancy – 2026” form.
Example
On a rent of $2,000 the most a covered unit can go up (before any dollar ceiling) is $52, to $2,052 a month.
Which units are covered?
Controlled rental units under the City Charter, generally multifamily buildings built before April 10, 1979. Rents reset to market on vacancy (Costa-Hawkins).
Units that are not covered by the local ordinance are usually covered by the statewide cap instead: 5% plus regional inflation, never more than 10% in 12 months. For increases from Aug 1, 2026: 8.1% to 8.8% depending on the county. California rent increase calculator →
Notice
At least 30 days' written notice on the Rent Control Board's form. See also notice rules by state.
Nearby: Los Angeles rent control
Sources: Santa Monica: maximum lawful rent · Notice of Change in Terms of Tenancy 2026