How much can they charge me to apply in Santa Monica?
About $69 per applicant in 2026, max.
California's cap grows with inflation each year.
Why, and the exact law
From the California Legislature, read Oct 1, 2026.Show the law
“In no case shall the amount of the application screening fee charged by the landlord or their agent be greater than thirty dollars ($30) per applicant …”
State law applies here too. Where both cover a rental, the stricter city rule usually wins; each rule below says so.
California lawIn force
California application screening fee cap and rules
How much can they charge me to apply?
About $69 per applicant in 2026, max.
California's cap grows with inflation each year.
Who it covers
Covers: Landlords (owners of residential rental property) and their agents charging applicants.
In force since
Jan 1, 2026
Figure period
until Dec 2026
The law, word for word
“In no case shall the amount of the application screening fee charged by the landlord or their agent be greater than thirty dollars ($30) per applicant …”
No Santa Monica local ordinance on application or screening fees appears in the provided documents. The Santa Monica charter and Rent Control regulations provided cover rent, eviction and deposits only. The state screening-fee cap in Civ. Code § 1950.6 governs.
The law, word for word
“In no case shall the amount of the application screening fee charged by the landlord or their agent be greater than thirty dollars ($30) per applicant …”