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...
Santa Monica Apartment Renters Could get Expanded Protections
Will Rent Hike Freeze Change How Landlords Make Your Home a Better Place to Live?
If landlords can't raise your rent, by law, then they may not fix up the property, either.
Tenants Enjoying a Renter's Market as Landlords Struggle
They tend to be our least favorite people, since we write hefty checks to them every month for our rent, but landlords aren't doing so well these days. Vacancies in commercial buildings are up and rising, say recent reports, and this year looks to be a tough one for landlords looking to lease.
Scientologists Had a Hand in Knitting Factory's Troubles
On Thursday, the Hollywood music venue, Knitting Factory, will be at a morning hearing that could revoke the Conditional Use Permit that allows the space to operate. The hearing was prompted by a petition circulated by an employee of the neighboring Scientology building and signed by a total of 31 people, according to a Knitting Factory spokesman. The two complaints listed say that the venue is a nuisance to the community and challenges their adherence to the permit. Rumors are also floating around that there are tensions between the venue and landlord, CIM Group, but the Knitting Factory says they hear the developer may "go at bat" for them.

