ACTION Apartment Association

Rental Assistance Available to Qualifying Santa Monica Tenants

08/31/2021 9:46 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Currently, California has available $5.2 billion in rental assistance and $2 billion in utility assistance through its COVID-19 Rent Relief program, commonly called "Housing is Key," said local officials.

AND: https://www.santamonica.gov/press/2021/08/30/santa-monica-offers-help-for-residential-tenants-and-landlords-applying-for-state-rental-assistance

Supreme Court Strikes Down Biden Eviction Moratorium

08/27/2021 10:03 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The Supreme Court struck down the Biden administration’s eviction moratorium in a 6-3 decision on Thursday.

California advances 2 zoning bills to promote scarce housing

08/27/2021 9:50 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

California lawmakers on Thursday advanced the second of two measures designed to cut through local zoning ordinances.

The measure promoted by Senate leader Toni Atkins and supported by Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, both Democrats, would make it easier to build smaller second units on what are now single-family properties. That could include up to four units, such as duplexes or homes with attached living units, if the lot is split into two equal parcels under the bill.

Rental aid holdup threatens eviction catastrophe

08/26/2021 9:37 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The Treasury Department said Wednesday that state and local governments had disbursed just over 10 percent of federal rental assistance funds as of the end of July, indicating that millions could be at risk of losing their homes once eviction protections end.

CA COVID-19 Rent Relief

08/26/2021 8:18 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Qualifying Renters and Landlords are now eligible for 100% of rent and utilities allowed.

Senator Wiener’s SB 10 ‘Light Touch’ Housing Density Bill Passes Assembly

08/25/2021 12:39 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

A bill that would increase higher-density housing near transit areas regardless of previous zoning or CEQA requirements passed the Assembly 41-9 on Monday.

Senate Bill 10, authored by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) would, minus any local zoning restrictions, authorize a local government to zone any parcel for up to 10 units if located in a traffic heavy or urban infill site. While local governments cannot pass a law to adopt this policy locally after 2029 under SB 10, any high density structure under the bill set up between the bills passage and then would not have to be passed by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

89% of federal rental assistance remains unspent

08/25/2021 11:05 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The Treasury Department on Wednesday released updated payout figures that show states and cities distributed $1.7 billion to landlords and renters in July, a modest increase from the $1.5 billion distributed in June.

All told, states and cities spent $5.2 billion out of $46.5 billion in rental relief authorized from COVID-19 rescue packages since December.

SMa.r.t. Column: Fix Those Balconies

08/24/2021 8:48 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The law requires owners of existing rental buildings with three or more multifamily dwelling units to inspect all exterior balconies (and other elements) by January 1, 2025, with new inspections every six years after that. This law covers all mixed-use buildings, large apartment apartment buildings, triplexes and fourplexes. New buildings must be inspected within six years of getting a Certificate of Occupancy, and every six years thereafter.

Eviction ban heads to Supreme Court

08/21/2021 8:58 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Property owners and real estate groups on Friday asked the Supreme Court to halt the Biden administration's new eviction moratorium hours after a federal appeals court let it stay in effect.

Council Expected to Fund New Black Non-Profit

08/20/2021 9:21 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The Santa Monica Black Lives Association (SMBLA), which was recently formed to improve “the wellbeing” of Santa Monica's Black community, is slated to receive $100,000 in funding from the City.

AND: https://www.smdp.com/council-to-discuss-vaccine-rules-and-unlicensed-pier-vendors/207689