By Daily Press staff
The Santa Monica Rent Control Board sued property owners in small claims court last month, seeking thousands of dollars in past dues and penalties.
None of the property owners showed up in court to contest the fees, which are collected from all of Santa Monica’s landlords on an annual basis.
The Santa Monica Rent Control Board requires people who own rent controlled properties to pay $132 per unit per year to the city.
Judge Pro Tem Thomas Flattery ruled against David and Nancy Tripp, who own the building at 2131 22nd St. The Tripps had gotten behind on their payments by four years, and had racked up $3,910 in fees and penalties.
Judge Flattery also ruled against Robert McGuire, who owns the building at 1526 Bay St. McGuire had fallen behind by five years and owed the board more than $13,000. However, the ruling was only for $5,000, the maximum amount in small claims.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 17, 2003. Read the original PDF.