Are roommates allowed?
The Rent Control Law does not address the maximum number of people who may occupy a unit. Tenants are generally bound by whatever was agreed to in their rental agreement. Most standard rental agreements have language limiting occupancy to specified persons, prohibiting sub-tenancies, or requiring the owner’s prior written consent. However, if an owner refuses to allow a tenant to replace a roommate, the remaining tenant(s) may petition for a rent decrease for reduction of a housing service. A rent decrease is only available if the owner does not allow the same number of tenants as were allowed on the base rent date. If a rental agreement does not prohibit having roommates or subleasing, roommates are allowed. Even if a rental agreement restricts who may reside in the unit, there are circumstances under which a tenant may be able to have additional occupants. The Santa Monica Municipal Code prohibits owners from evicting tenants for violating their rental agreements if the violation is
