In Santa Monica, All Renters Could see Expanded Protections

While Santa Monica has some strong rent-control laws, the city said it has fallen behind in protecting renters of regular apartments and other types of units. Last week, the council voted on some restrictions for landlords and may place some measures on the November ballot to let voters decide on some issues, according to the Santa Monica Daily Press.

"If adopted, the protections that would be extended to all Santa Monica tenants would affect the eviction process in cases where a landlord alleges a tenant has breached a contract, created a nuisance, refused to execute a written lease extension, damaged the premises or denied the landlord access to the rented unit," explained the paper.

Two other changes, which don't need voter approval, may also occur. Those are increasing relocation payment after evictions and giving more time to correct a lease violation before an eviction notice was issued.