LATEST IN THE LAW

Santa Monica Mandates Rental Registration for All Housing Types, Effective 2026

December 11, 2025 0 Comment Category: Landlords and Tenants

On November 18, 2025, the Santa Monica City Council passed a unanimous vote requiring all rental properties—including single-family homes, condos, and ADUs—to register with the city starting January 1, 2026. The law covers both stabilized and non-stabilized units and introduces strict compliance rules.

Key Impacts for Property Owners

Registration is Mandatory
All landlords must register each rental unit with the city. If units are not registered by 2027, owners lose the legal right to collect rent.

Legal Defense Risk
Tenants may use a landlord’s failure to register as a legal defense in eviction proceedings, creating a high-risk situation for property owners.

Unclear Fee Structure
As of December 2025, the City has not set the registration fees or fine amounts, leaving owners unable to accurately forecast compliance costs.

Privacy & Liability Concerns
Landlords must report why tenants move out, but the City has not implemented a way to verify that data. This may expose property owners to disputes or liability for inaccurate reporting.

---

What Landlords Should Do Now

• Begin compliance planning early, before fees and penalties are finalized

• Prepare for potential data privacy or legal complications

• Get legal guidance to protect rent rights and prevent tenant litigation

Legal support is especially important for small-scale landlords, where a rent collection ban or lawsuit could have serious consequences.