Item 10.A
April 14, 2026
Item 10-A
April 14, 2026
Item 10-A
April 14, 2026
HSC 17920.3 Civil Code 1941.1
• Defines conditions that render a building or unit "substandard“ (uninhabitable), making it a matter of public health, safety, and welfare. • Key violations which can make a rental unit legally uninhabitable: • inadequate sanitation, • structural hazards, • dampness/mold, • lack of required heating/lighting, • infestation • This is the main code section referenced
by Code Enforcement
• Defines the minimum habitability standards for residential rental properties, deeming a unit "untenantable" (uninhabitable) if it lacks essentials like waterproofing, plumbing, heat, electricity, or sanitation. • Establishes the minimum “warrant of
habitability”
• Not as specific as HSC 17920.3
• AB628
• Amends state law to require landlords to provide a working stove and refrigerator in all residential rental units. 2 State Habitability Codes
Item 10-A
April 14, 2026
Item 10-A
April 14, 2026
3 Proposed SMMC 13.02.060
§13.02.060 Specific violations.
It is unlawful and it is declared to be a violation of this Chapter for any person owning, renting, leasing, occupying, managing, or having charge or possession of any property within the City to maintain such property in such a manner that any of the conditions listed below are found to exist. This Section is not the exclusive definition or designation of what constitutes a violation within this City. It supplements and is in addition to other regulatory codes, statutes, and ordinances enacted by the City, State, or any other legal entity or agency having jurisdiction. Violations of this Chapter include the following:
(q) Substandard Deficient Housing Conditions. To the extent not otherwise articulated above, for residential property and dwellings, any condition of a substandard building listed in California Health and Safety Code Section 17920.3, whether or not the condition renders the building or dwelling substandard, or any affirmative standard characteristic listed in Civil Code 1941.1 is lacking. (r) Uninhabitable Buildings or Dwelling Units. Buildings or dwelling units may be deemed uninhabitable if any of the following conditions exist:
(1) Any building or structure which meets the definition of a dangerous building as provided in Section 302 of the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, or any successor provision, adopted pursuant to Article 8 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code. (2) Any building or structure which meets the definition of a substandard building as provided in Section 17920.3 of the Health and Safety Code, or any successor provision. (2) Any substandard building condition listed in the California Health and Safety Code Section 17920.3 exists, or any affirmative standard characteristic for a dwelling listed in California Civil Code Section 1941.1 is lacking, where the condition exists to an extent that endangers the life, limb, health, property, safety, or welfare of the public or the occupants thereof, or are is severe enough to render the building or dwelling be unsafe for human habitation as determined by the Building Official or Code Enforcement Manager.
Item 10-A
April 14, 2026
Item 10-A
April 14, 2026
4 Practical Effects of Proposed Amendments
• Proposed Amendments would make violations of California Civil Code 1941.1 also violations of the Santa Monica Property Maintenance code • Allows Code Enforcement to enforce provisions in State law Item 10-A
April 14, 2026
Item 10-A
April 14, 2026