Santa Monica

The Rent Control Board has expanded the conditions under which landlords may raise rents if they pay for gas and electricity used in their apartment buildings.

The board has decided to allow landlords to compute rent increases on a unit-by-unit basis, rather than on the entire building. Previously, landlords were allowed rent increases only if they paid for utilities in the entire apartment building.

Eileen Lipson, board chairman, said that the action was taken in the interests of fairness to landlords who pay for utilities in some of their units.

Landlords must apply to the board for approval of the rent increase, which is 1.5% annually if a landlord pays for all utilities in the entire apartment building, less if he pays for utilities in only some units.