The amount may change each January. In Santa Monica, charging more than the lawful rent is illegal. The Rent Control Law provides remedies that tenants may use if they are overcharged. A call or visit to a Rent Control Information Coordinator can determine whether a tenant is paying too much. Landlords are also encouraged to contact Rent Control to ensure that they are charging no more than the legal rent.
Rent overcharges take various forms.
Some are obvious, such as when a tenant is charged more than the legal monthly rent. Other rent overcharges are not as obvious. A tenant who has been charged more rent than the law allows has several options. File a lawsuit in Municipal or Superior Court. Each option has certain advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before making a decision.