Santa Monica Steps Up Legal Action Against Landlords
New court rulings and a lawsuit aim to protect renters and ensure habitability in city apartment buildings.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Apartments
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Santa Monica prosecutors have secured a series of court victories and filed a new harassment lawsuit aimed at holding landlords accountable to local housing laws. These actions include mandating voucher acceptance at one property and enforcing deed restrictions on low-income units at another.
Why it matters
The city is aggressively enforcing fair housing and rent control statutes to protect vulnerable tenants from displacement and ensure habitability. This legal campaign aims to prevent homelessness by forcing property owners to adhere to the city's Below Market Housing Program requirements.
A recent court order requires landlord Lawrence Lee Boydston to accept VASH vouchers and accommodate accessibility upgrades. Additionally, the California Court of Appeal upheld deed restrictions on 15 units at the Dorchester Condominiums, affirming mandated low-income leasing.
The players
Santa Monica City Attorney's Office
The local municipal legal department responsible for enforcing city ordinances, housing codes, and tenant protection regulations.
California Court of Appeal
The state judicial body that reviewed and affirmed the deed restrictions governing low-income housing units in the city.
The details
Prosecutors are utilizing court-ordered stipulations to force compliance with fair housing policies, including mandatory management training and facility upgrades like motorized chair lifts. For the Harvard Street property, the city has filed a civil complaint alleging that owners subjected tenants to illegal surveillance, retaliation, and poor living conditions, such as mold and hot water failures. The city is now seeking the appointment of an independent receiver to manage the six-unit building while the litigation proceeds.
Timeline
October 28, 2026: The City Attorney's Office announced the recent court victories and the filing of a new lawsuit.
The Home Front
These actions mark a significant tightening of oversight for rent-controlled properties governed by the city's Below Market Housing Program. Local authorities are increasingly turning to judicial interventions to ensure that deed-restricted housing remains available and habitable for tenants.
Tenants in older buildings should document any maintenance issues like water shutoffs or mold in writing to build a record for local inspectors. If you reside in a rent-controlled unit, verify your building's status and any applicable deed restrictions through the city's housing portal.
The takeaway
City prosecutors are using the court system to hold landlords strictly accountable to rent control and fair housing requirements. Tenants facing harassment or habitability issues are encouraged to report these conditions to the City Attorney's Office to support ongoing enforcement efforts.
Further reading
For more on local regulations and rights, visit Apartments.
Source note: This article includes information reported by SM Mirror.
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