A Santa Monica landlord in California has agreed to pay $685,000 and comply with strict injunctive terms to settle three related cases stemming from allegations of tenant harassment, rent control violations, and housing discrimination. The cases include one brought by the Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office under local tenant protection ordinances.
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$685,000 Settlement Ends Three Lawsuits
The settlement resolves all three cases; one filed by the City Attorney and two by impacted tenants. The landlord will pay a total of $685,000 to the city and the tenants. The agreement also includes a stipulated judgment and a court-ordered injunction in the city’s case.
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Rent Control and Disclosure Violation
According to the city, the landlord failed to register tenant information with the Santa Monica Rent Control Board and did not inform tenants of their rent control rights or eviction protections. This allowed him to pressure tenants without their full understanding of legal safeguards.
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Harassment and Constructive Eviction of Family
One family of four was allegedly constructively evicted after the landlord falsely claimed he intended to move into their apartment. At the same time, he purchased a $1.4 million home and listed the triplex for sale. The landlord allegedly entered the unit without permission, shouted at the family in front of their children, causing them distress, and restricted their use of outdoor space. The family vacated in May 2023 and was forced to move into a more expensive apartment. The landlord then re-rented their old unit at a higher rate.
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Retaliation Against Another Tenant
A different tenant faced harassment shortly after requesting necessary repairs and a roommate change. Instead of processing her request, the landlord allegedly demanded she either leave or sign a new lease in her name alone at a higher rent. He also removed amenities, refused repairs, and placed unreasonable conditions on replacing her roommate, according to the city.
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Discrimination Against a Disabled Tenant
The same tenant, who is immunocompromised, reportedly requested to remediate mold in her unit and to be temporarily relocated during the process. The landlord allegedly ignored her legal right to reasonable accommodation and wrote that the building was unsuitable for people with respiratory conditions. The city cited this as a violation of fair housing laws.
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City Attorney Cites Unyielding Noncompliance
Santa Monica City Attorney Doug Sloan stated that while the city tries to work cooperatively with landlords, the aggressive legal response in this case was necessary due to the landlord’s repeated refusal to follow the law. “When a landlord adamantly refuses to comply, as was the case here, we vigorously enforce those laws,” Sloan said.
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Landmark Terms of the Injunction
As part of a settlement, a Santa Monica landlord must pay $685,000 to tenants and the city, cease managing his properties, and hire a city-approved third-party manager. He is required to test for and remediate mold in one unit, temporarily relocating the tenant if necessary. The agreement mandates compliance with all tenant protection and fair housing laws, including reasonable accommodations and non-discrimination. He must also complete three hours of landlord-tenant training. Any violation of the settlement terms will result in a minimum penalty of $10,000 per violation.
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City Reaffirms Commitment to Tenant Protections
This case highlights Santa Monica’s strict enforcement of tenant rights, particularly under its Tenant Harassment and Housing Anti-Discrimination Ordinances. The settlement is among the largest of its kind in the city’s recent history, signaling ongoing efforts to protect renters from illegal landlord behavior.
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