Enhanced Rent Decrease Standards
I was one of two Commissioners who served on the sub-committee to reform the Rent Decrease Standards, increasing the amounts tenants can receive when they lose amenities or services, or face deteriorating conditions.
Re-elect Kurt Gonska to the Santa Monica Rent Control Board
Protect Rent Control to Keep Santa Monica a Special Place to Call Home
Rent Control Board Commissioner since 2022 · Chair, 2025
About Kurt
I'm a Santa Monica renter.
I've lived in rent-controlled apartments here since 2014, and I know firsthand what rent control makes possible. It's the reason I and so many neighbors have been able to stay in this community, and the reason Santa Monica is home to people with diverse incomes and backgrounds.
My path to the Rent Control Board began the way many tenants' stories do, with a problem in my own apartment. I filed a rent decrease petition, then spoke to the Board to advocate for a regulation that affected everyone in my building and many other Santa Monica tenants.
I was elected to the Board in 2022 and served as Chair in 2025. Outside the Board, my professional background is in producing live events, marketing and communications, and managing political campaigns.
Rent control stabilizes our community. It gives tens of thousands of middle class and low income people the cost predictability they need to put down roots and contribute to Santa Monica's vitality. I stand on the shoulders of the activists who won rent control in 1979, and I'll keep fighting to protect it.
What I've accomplished
In my first term, I worked to make rent control stronger, fairer, and easier to use.
Banned Algorithmic Price-Fixing Software
I helped stop landlords from using software that artificially drives up rents.
Ensured Responsible Budgets
I've advocated for and supported balanced budgets that protect the Rent Control agency's long-term health and keep registration fee costs down for tenants and landlords.
Hired New Leadership
I helped select a new Executive Director and a new General Counsel to lead the Rent Control agency.
Developed Charter Amendments on the Ballot this November
They prohibit evicting a tenant who owes less than one month's fair market rent, increase commissioner term limits, reform registration fee financing, clearify petition decision timelines, and more.
Helped Residents Directly
I regularly help residents navigate city departments and resources so they can stay in their homes.
My platform
What I'll do with a second term.
Make Filing a Petition Easier
I'll work with staff to overhaul how the office receives rent decrease petitions and other documents, so tenants face fewer barriers.
Update Tenant Not In Occupancy Regulations
I'll push to amend how new maximum allowable rent is determined in Tenant Not In Occupancy cases.
Strengthen Code Enforcement
Tenants shouldn't have to fight so hard for maintenance that ensures a habitable apartment, so I'll advocate for stronger enforcement tools and increased budgets for Code Enforcement.
Pass the Charter Amendments
Vote yes and I'll make sure they're implemented effectively.
Protect the Board's Independence
The Rent Control Board is the subject-matter expert, and the City Council has long honored that by not attempting to change rent control law without the Board's recommendation. I'll defend that precedent.
Decide Appeals Fairly
When the Board acts as an appellate body, I'll continue reviewing cases thoroughly and applying the law consistently for both tenants and landlords.
Where I stand on the issues
Build Housing Without Displacing Tenants
We need more housing, but we don't have to displace current tenants to get it, primarily by building along the boulevards and in Downtown Santa Monica.
Keep People Housed
No one should lose their home over one missed paycheck or a small rental debt. I support Renter Aid, free legal counsel for lower and moderate income tenants facing eviction, and expanded funding for the Preserve Our Diversity program for seniors. I also believe Santa Monica should prohibit evictions over small rental debts.
SB 79
I opposed the original bill and voted for the Board's resolution opposing a later version because the final law still puts tenants in two-unit rent-controlled buildings within transit zones at risk of displacement. I believe Santa Monica should do all it can locally to prevent such displacement.
Measure GS
Santa Monica voters decided how to fund affordable housing and tenant assistance. Sacramento shouldn't override them, so I oppose AB 736. I'll keep monitoring GS revenue and its effects, and make changes only if the data shows a real problem not caused by unrelated market conditions.
State Rent Control Laws
The Board works every day within the limits of Costa-Hawkins and the Ellis Act, but I believe we should continue to look for ways to reform these laws.
Help keep rent control strong.
A grassroots race, funded by neighbors. Contributions go through the campaign's secure payment processor.