‘limited’ relief program reopens in Santa Monica amid rising rent

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To offset rising rents and lingering financial hardship suffered during the coronavirus pandemic, Santa Monica has reopened applications for rental relief. The program will reopen in response to the 2022 General Adjustment, which allowed landlords to raise rents 6 percent with a maximum $140 monthly increase for rent controlled units. It was the highest increase since 1990, the city said.

Applications for the Rent Control Adjustment Relief program closed on Sept. 19, but the city set a new deadline for those who qualify.

Applications reopens Monday and will remain available through Jan. 11, 2023 to the following households:

– Households in Rent Control units that received a rent increase notice dated after the original Sept 19th RCAR deadline. Rent increase notices must be clearly signed and dated by property owner/manager after Sept. 19.

– Households in Rent Control units that did not submit an application in the first round due to extenuating circumstances such as illness or being out of town.

The RCAR program provides relief equivalent to a 3 percent rent increase over a 12-month period. Funds must be paid directly to the property owner or manager in a single lump sum.

To qualify for the relief, residents must also meet all of the following requirements, as identified by the city:

1. You received notification of a 2022 General Adjustment rent increase
2. You pay more than 50 percent of your household income toward rent.
3. You are not a rental housing voucher recipient.

The following documents will be required:

– Formal written notice from your property owner/manager indicating that you will be subject to the Rent Control General Adjustment with the effective date, amount of increase, and total rent after increase takes effect.

– Proof of household income (past 30 days) for all adults age 18 and older on lease agreement (e.g., pay statement, benefits statement). Tenants who already have a waiver of Rent Control registration fees as very-low-income senior or disabled tenants do not need to submit income documentation.