October 1, 2023 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica Rent Control Board to Consider Changes to Property Tax-Related Surcharges

The Santa Monica Rent Control Board is considering changing the way that landlords pass through portions of their property tax bills to tenants as surcharges on controlled rents. Today, landlords can in most cases pass through five line items on their tax bills that relate to things Santa Monica voters approved. They include:

  • Bonds for improvements in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District
  • Bonds for improvements at Santa Monica College
  • The Stormwater Management Fee
  • The Clean Beaches and Ocean Parcel Tax
  • The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Parcel Tax

This conversation comes as the amounts tenants pay have been on the rise as property values and related property taxes increase, especially after a property is sold. The fundamental question is who should pay for property tax-related assessments that help fund the items above – landlords, tenants or both?

In one real-life example, in tax year 2016, a long-time owner (since 1972) of a 21-unit property paid total assessments of $1,532.32 for the five items that could be passed through. He could pass through $6.06 per unit per month in surcharges. When he sold the building in 2016, the building’s value was reassessed, increasing the five items on the 2017 tax bill to $20,104.70. With proper notice, the new owner could potentially charge $79.76 per unit per month in surcharges.

Starting March 1st, the Rent Control Board eliminated surcharge pass-throughs when a property is sold or reassessed due to elective property improvements. It also prohibited landlords from passing through the surcharges to new tenants who move in on or after March 1st.

Now, the Board is considering changes that may affect tenants who moved in before March 1st. The Board could require the owner to pay a share of the surcharges or establish a “cap” or maximum amount that can be passed through. The Board could also eliminate surcharges completely or leave things as they are. Before making a decision, the Board is interested in hearing comments from the public on the community’s preferred approach, including these ideas and others for consideration.

To those interested in commenting on the issue, visit https://www.smgov.net/Surcharge_Form.aspx?LangType=1033.

Santa Monica’s Rent Control Board as of 2018.
Related Posts

(Video) Interview With Downtown Activist on Being Attacked by Homeless Suspect

September 29, 2023

September 29, 2023

John Alle, co-founder of Santa Monica Coalition, was attacked in Palisades Park while filming. @smmirrornews John Alle was hospitalized after...

Suspected Drunk Driver Slams Into Citizen on Venice Beach Boardwalk

September 29, 2023

September 29, 2023

The Suspect Is Also Seen Drinking From a Modelo Beer Bottle By Zach Armstrong A potential drunk driver hit a...

Beloved Roosevelt Elementary Teacher Kitty Donohoe Leaves a Legacy of Inspiration

September 29, 2023

September 29, 2023

Longtime Educator Remembered for 35 Years of Dedication to Roosevelt Community By Dolores Quintana The Santa Monica – Malibu Unified...

$10K of Pickleball Equipment Destroyed in Memorial Park Arson

September 28, 2023

September 28, 2023

Thanks to an Outpour of Donations and Support, Storage Bins Should Be Set Up by the End of Next Week...

Revolutionize Your Coffee Experience: Blue Bottle’s Exclusive Residency Unveiled

September 28, 2023

September 28, 2023

A Full Flavor Coffee Experience With Dessert Meant For Savoring  By Dolores Quintana Blue Bottle Coffee, a well-known specialty coffee...

Rebranded Breakfast Burrito Specialist Still Eyes 2023 Santa Monica Opening

September 28, 2023

September 28, 2023

Earlier This Year, It Was Reported the Restaurant Will Expand in a Different Time Frame Than Initially Expected By Zach...

Women’s Surf Film Festival Making California Debut in Venice

September 27, 2023

September 27, 2023

With an Array of Storytelling From Both Artists, the Festival Spotlights Inspiring Narratives of Female Surfers. The Women’s Surf Film...

Free “Masters of Dance” Workshops and Classes Open by SMC

September 27, 2023

September 27, 2023

It Features a Lineup of Master Classes and Educational Workshops Led by Accomplished Dance Professionals The Santa Monica College Dance...

Samohi Orchestra Program to Host Annual Fall Benefit Concert

September 26, 2023

September 26, 2023

Audience Will Be Enchanted With Pieces From Movies Including Aladdin, Harry Potter and Howl’s Moving Castle The nationally recognized and...

Hollywood Twist: Writers Guild Strikes Gold with Extraordinary Deal

September 26, 2023

September 26, 2023

WGA Members To Vote On Ratification of the Tentative Contract  By Dolores Quintana  After The Writers Guild of America (WGA)...

Film Review: Amerikatsi

September 26, 2023

September 26, 2023

FILM REVIEWAmerikatsiUnrated117 MinutesReleased September 8, 2023 A storyline predominantly based on voyeurism is not a new cinematic concept, and here...

Film Review: Bottoms

September 26, 2023

September 26, 2023

FILM REVIEWBOTTOMSRated R91 MinutesReleased August 25th Welcome to a new generation of breakout stars of American comedy who make the...

Hotel Workers Go On Strike in Santa Monica Amid Negotiation Standstill

September 26, 2023

September 26, 2023

The Union Is Urging Hotels to Instantly Increase Hourly Wages By Zach Armstrong Santa Monica hotel workers at Fairmont Miramar,...

(Video) Retailer Gets Palisades Into Spooky Season With Skeletons

September 25, 2023

September 25, 2023

Skeletons are seen climbing onto the home goods retailer. @smmirrornews Retailer Gets Palisades Into Spooky Season With Skeletons. Skeletons are...

Another Burglar Hits Montana Avenue

September 25, 2023

September 25, 2023

Adding to Other Recent Incidents at Some of the Road’s More Than 150 Dining Spots and Retailers By Zach Armstrong...