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Santa Monica Rent Control Board caps 2026 rent adjustment at $70 for higher‑rent units
Summary
The board voted 5–0 to impose a $70 ceiling on the 2026 general adjustment (GA), limiting increases for higher‑rent units while preserving a 2.6% GA for lower‑rent units; the cap takes effect Sept. 1, 2026.
The Santa Monica Rent Control Board on June 11 voted unanimously to limit the 2026 general adjustment (GA) with a $70 ceiling for higher‑rent units, while preserving the full 2.6% increase for lower‑rent tenants.
Staff told the board the ceiling was calculated using the charter formula: the 85th‑percentile MAR ($3,768) and pre‑199 base rent average ($1,624), producing an average MAR of $2,696; multiplied by 2.6% and rounded yields a $70 cap. Under Resolution 26‑001, the GA for rent‑controlled units will be the lesser of 2.6%, 6% or $70, meaning tenants in higher‑rent units will see a dollar cap rather than the full percentage increase. The resolution takes effect Sept. 1, 2026.
Commissioners discussed distributional effects and data limits. Commissioner Ganska said the staff examples were helpful but noted the board does not collect tenant income data and cautioned against assuming lower MAR always means lower income. "We don't collect data on income levels for people in rent‑control units," Ganska said, adding that the city cannot rely on MAR alone to infer household income.
Vice Chair Ambry supported the $70 ceiling as a fair measure to reduce displacement risk while preserving landlord access to fair‑return processes: "I think the cap in this instance is fair," Ambry said. Commissioner Dudick moved to adopt the resolution; Commissioner Leslie seconded. Chair Ivanov called the roll and the motion passed 5–0.
The board approved language and directed staff to finalize the resolution text for posting. The board also noted charter protections that allow owners to seek fair return relief through established procedures; staff said the cap does not change those existing mechanisms.
What happens next: Resolution 26‑001 is effective Sept. 1, 2026, as stated in the motion. Tenants and owners will receive agency guidance on how the ceiling is applied to individual units and billing.
