Santa Monica Pursues Landlords Over Housing Violations

City prosecutors secured court orders and filed a new lawsuit to enforce fair housing standards and rent control laws.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Apartments

Santa Monica Pursues Landlords Over Housing Violations

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Should your local government take aggressive legal action to enforce tenant protections against landlords?

Santa Monica officials recently achieved multiple legal victories, including a court-ordered judgment against a landlord to accept housing vouchers. Simultaneously, the city filed a new lawsuit against owners of a Harvard Street building, citing tenant harassment and hazardous living conditions.

Why it matters

These enforcement actions represent a broader legal campaign to hold property owners accountable to rent control statutes. The city intends to prevent displacement and meet local needs through its Below Market Housing Program.

The city successfully defended deed restrictions on 15 ground-floor units at the Dorchester Condominiums, which prohibit owner-occupancy. Additionally, a new lawsuit targets conditions within a six-unit rent-controlled building on Harvard Street.

The players

Lawrence Lee Boydston

A landlord who was ordered by a judge to accept VASH vouchers and install a motorized chair lift.

Chiang Juei Sung

A landlord subject to a $144,000 attorney fee judgment upheld by the California Court of Appeal.

Kevan, Caley, and Diane Tschekaloff

Property owners named in a civil lawsuit alleging tenant harassment and unlawful eviction notices.

The details

In the Dorchester case, the California Court of Appeal affirmed that the units must be reserved for low-income leasing. Meanwhile, the city's complaint against the owners of the Harvard Street building alleges ongoing issues such as mold, collapsing ceilings, and illegal surveillance.

Prior to 2023, Gary Rhoades led legal work on the Dorchester case.
In 2023, Deputy City Attorney Gary Rhoades retired from his position.
On October 28, 2026, the city announced its latest court victories and the filing of a new lawsuit.

Culture Shift

These enforcement actions align with the city's long-term commitment to the Below Market Housing Program. This strategy marks a clear prioritization of tenant stability over the interests of landlords who fail to adhere to local rent control and fair housing standards.

Tenants living in rent-controlled or below-market units may see increased city oversight of their buildings following these legal developments. Residents experiencing similar hazardous conditions are encouraged to understand their rights under local statutes.

The takeaway

Landlords are increasingly required to formalize fair housing policies and maintain structural standards under court supervision. Tenants should maintain records of unit conditions and communications with management to support potential legal claims.