Santa Monica Apartment Renters Could get Expanded Protections

In addition to voting on a sales tax increase that would raise it to 10.25%, Santa Monica voters will be asked on the November ballot about tenant rights. Approved Thursday by the city council, the measure would extend some rights given to those in rent-controlled buildings to all rentals in the city, according to the Santa Monica Daily Press. Perks include tenants being given more time to correct lease violations before they're evicted and additional protections to elderly, disabled and terminally ill renters.

Opposing the measure is the landlord-based Action Apartment Association, which believes the measure is meant to bring out renters to the election to vote for renters rights candidates. Wes Wellman said the law could go into effect without voter approval and would only address a handful of cases a year.