Rent Basics
What does "Rent Burden" mean?
Spending a large % of income on rent (usually 30%+).
Santa Monica is located in what state?
California
What is rent control?
A limit on how much landlords can increase a tenant's rent.
Name one way to make housing more affordable.
Build more housing / ADUs / rent control.
Who sets housing rules in a city?
City Government / City Council
What is "Rent"?
Money paid monthly to live in a home or apartment.
Is Santa Monica housing generally cheap or expensive?
Expensive
Why do cities use rent control?
To help renters stay in their homes.
What does “anti-displacement” mean?
Policies that help people stay in their homes.
What do tenant rights groups do?
Help Protect Renters
True or False: Rent burden only affects homeless people.
False
What is a major problem renters face in Santa Monica?
High rent / Displacement Risk
True or False: Rent control means rent can never go up.
False!!!!
Why might building more housing help rents?
More supply can reduce pressure on prices.
Who benefits from first-time renter programs?
People renting for the first time.
What % of income is considered “affordable housing”?
About 30%
What is “displacement”?
When people are forced to move because they can’t afford rent.
What is “stabilization”?
Rules that limit how fast rent can increase.
What group is most affected by rent burden?
Low- and Middle-Income Renters
What is the goal of housing policy?
Make housing affordable and stable.
In a SWOT analysis, what would “rent burden” most likely be considered in Santa Monica: a strength or a weakness?
Weakness
In a SWOT analysis, what is a major external threat Santa Monica faces regarding housing?
High rent prices pushing people out / displacement.
In a SWOT analysis, rent control policies would most likely be considered a city’s what?
Strength (because they help protect renters).
In SWOT terms, what is one “opportunity” Santa Monica has to improve housing affordability?
Building more ADUs or increasing housing supply.
In a SWOT analysis, what is one strength Santa Monica has in addressing housing issues?
City programs and renter protections (like rent stabilization).