News and Updates
Sign up to receive important updates on the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance by clicking the link below.
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Rent Stabilization Program Updates
2025-26 Maximum Allowable Rent Increase Announcement
The maximum allowable rent increase for the period September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026, is:
2.42%
According to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, which reports changes to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the CPI increased by 3.02% from May 2024 through May 2025 (as shown in Table 1). The Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance requires the maximum allowable rent increase to be the lesser percent of either 3% or 80% of the CPI change. Since 80% of the change in CPI through May 2025 is less than 3%, the allowable rent increase for the period effective September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026, will be 2.42%.
Please use the links below for further information on the calculation of the maximum allowable increase, as well as further instructions on how property owners may apply the increase depending on when their last increase was applied.
| Notice of Allowable Rent Increase – English | Notice of Allowable Rent Increase – Spanish | Notice of Allowable Rent Increase – Vietnamese |
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The Rental Registry Registration Period Ends July 1st—Act Now!
Attention Santa Ana landlords: the deadline to register your rental properties for the City of Santa Ana’s Rental Registry is quickly approaching! All landlords must complete their annual registration by July 1, 2025, to comply with the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance. Failure to meet the registration deadline will result in the loss of eligibility to implement pass-through fees and may incur additional penalties. Ensure your properties remain compliant and avoid unnecessary enforcement actions by completing registration promptly.
Note: If you already know your APN/PIN, there is no need to wait for the Registration Letter to finalize your registration. You can complete the process immediately by using your APN/PIN
Key Dates:
- Registration Period: June 2, 2025 – July 1, 2025
- Deadline to Submit: July 1, 2025
- Billing Period: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
Steps to Complete Your Registration:
- Update Property Profiles: Log in to your account and access your Property Profiles and update owner and property manager contact information. Report any changes such as rent increases, new tenants, or evictions in your Unit Inventory.
- Claim Applicable Exemptions: Submit exemption requests with all required supporting documents before the deadline to ensure they are reviewed and considered. Exemptions not claimed by July 1, 2025, will not be granted for this registration period.
- Submit Registration or Exemption: Once all updates to the Property Profile have been made, utilize the “Action” button to formally submit Rental Registration/Apply for Property Exemption.
- Pay the Rental Registry Fee: Payments should be made online by signing into your account on the Rental Registry portal. An invoice will be generated automatically upon submitting your registration. For balances exceeding $5,000.00, payment must be made by check. Please ensure check payments are written exclusively for the Rental Registry Fee and separate checks are provided for each property/invoice. Additionally, please do not combine payments for other City fees, such as Business License or the Proactive Rental Enforcement Program (PREP) with the Rental Registry Fee.
Important Notice: If you choose to pay the Rental Registry Fee through BillPay, please note that the payment (and completion of Rental Unit Registration) may be delayed or rejected due to the lack of an invoice. Invoices are required for processing payments and are available in the Documents section of your property’s profile.
Important Reminders for Landlords:
- Registration Is Not Considered Complete if There Are Unpaid Balances: Any unpaid fees from previous registration cycles must be resolved before registration is deemed complete.
- Pass-Through Fee Option: Landlords who pay the registration fee by the deadline may pass through up to 50% of the fee to tenants in twelve equal installments. This option is not available for tenants in subsidized housing.
Act now to keep your rental units in good standing! For more information or assistance, visit the Rental Registry portal or contact our team directly.
| Rental Registry (RR) | Contact Us | RR User Guide |
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Pass-Through Fees: Transparency Matters!
As part of the City of Santa Ana’s commitment to tenant protections and landlord compliance under the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, we want to ensure clarity around the Rental Registry Pass-Through Fee for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
Landlords may recover up to 50% of the Rental Registry Fee by charging tenants in 12 equal monthly installments. For FY25-26, this amounts to $4.16-$4.20 per month, not to exceed $50. This pass-through fee is not considered part of the rent for calculating rent increases, and only landlords who pay the Rental Registry Fee on time can implement the pass-through fee.
Important for Landlords:
To maintain transparency and avoid confusion, ensure your tenant ledgers clearly associate each pass-through fee charge with the correct fiscal year, especially as overlapping charges may occur for FY24-25 and FY25-26. Accurate documentation not only aids compliance but fosters trust with your tenants.
For more details or assistance, visit the Rental Registry portal or contact our team. Let’s work together to promote transparency and fairness in our community!
| Contact Us |
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AB 2801: Understanding New Security Deposit Regulations
As part of recent legislative updates, AB 2801 introduces changes to California’s security deposit laws. These updates aim to enhance transparency and fairness for both landlords and tenants. Here’s what you need to know:
Key Provisions:
1. Limits on Deductions: Security deposit deductions are restricted to necessary costs for repairs beyond normal wear and tear, as well as required cleaning to return the unit to its original condition.
2. Mandatory Documentation:
- Landlords must provide photographic evidence at three stages:
- Before move-in (for leases starting July 1, 2025, or later).
- After move-out but prior to repairs or cleaning.
- After repairs or cleaning are completed.
- These photos must accompany the itemized statement of deductions sent to tenants within 21 days of move-out.
Why This Matters:
- For Landlords: Compliance ensures deductions are upheld and reduces the risk of disputes or legal claims.
- For Tenants: Clear documentation provides transparency and accountability.
Important Notice: If you choose to pay the Rental Registry Fee through BillPay, please note that the payment (and completion of Rental Unit Registration) may be delayed or rejected due to the lack of an invoice. Invoices are required for processing payments and are available in the Documents section of your property’s profile.
Important Reminders for Landlords:
- Registration Is Not Considered Complete if There Are Unpaid Balances: Any unpaid fees from previous registration cycles must be resolved before registration is deemed complete.
- Pass-Through Fee Option: Landlords who pay the registration fee by the deadline may pass through up to 50% of the fee to tenants in twelve equal installments. This option is not available for tenants in subsidized housing.
Both parties are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these changes to maintain a smooth rental experience. For more information on AB 2801 and its implementation, visit the link below.
| AB 2801 |
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Upcoming Community Events
Join us to learn about your rights and responsibilities under the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance (RSJCEO). Our staff will be attending local events to assist tenants and landlords in understanding the ordinance and how it impacts housing stability.
More Workshops Coming Soon:
We’re also developing more workshops and events to address the topics that matter most to you. If there’s a subject you’d like us to cover or revisit, we’d love to hear your suggestions! Stay tuned to future newsletters for updates on upcoming opportunities to learn, connect, and engage with us. Together, we can build a more informed and empowered community.
| Community Workshops Webpage |
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Serving our Residents
City staff serves the public on a daily basis by responding to telephone and email inquiries about the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance and general landlord/tenant issues. Persons contacting the City include landlords, tenants, real estate brokers, prospective tenants and prospective property owners. The most common topics of concern are evictions, allowable rent increases, and the City’s Rental Registry.
Public Inquiries & Interactions
May 2024 to May 2025
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Community Outreach
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Rental Registry Workshops for Owners & Property Managers: The Rent Stabilization Division successfully hosted a series of Rental Registry Workshops to support property owners and managers in navigating the City of Santa Ana’s Rental Registry system. These virtual webinars, held via Zoom on June 10, June 17, and June 26, 2025, provided step-by-step guidance on completing registration. Participants appreciated the convenience of joining from their homes and engaged in meaningful discussions with our team, gaining valuable insights to streamline their registration process. We extend our gratitude to all who attended and look forward to continuing to provide resources that empower our community. |
Habitat for Humanity of OC’s Housing Expo: The Rent Stabilization Division participated in the 2025 Housing Expo hosted by Habitat for Humanity of Orange County at Santa Ana College on Saturday, June 7, 2025. This event brought together local housing experts, lenders, and community partners to provide vital information and resources for renters and homebuyers. During the Expo, our team engaged with attendees, offering insights into the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, including rent increase limits, tenant rights, and eviction protections. Participants also explored resources such as down payment assistance, rental and home buying programs, and HUD-certified counseling. With free food, face painting, and raffle prizes, the Expo was a fantastic opportunity for families to learn about available services while enjoying a community-focused event.
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Rental Housing Board – Now Accepting Applications
The Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance (“Ordinance”) establishes a Rental Housing Board to administer and enforce renter protections for Santa Ana tenants.
Under Section 8-3180 of the Ordinance, the Rental Housing Board (“Board”) is comprised of seven (7) members appointed by the City Council, with each Councilmember selecting one (1) member through an equitable random lottery process. The Board includes:
- Three (3) Tenants, including at least one (1) Mobilehome Tenant;
- Two (2) Landlords with rental property experience; and
- Two (2) At-Large Members with no financial interest in or ownership of income-generating rental housing (e.g., an owner-occupant of a single-family home).
Currently, there are three (3) vacancies on the Board. If you or someone you know is interested in serving your community by contributing to the oversight of renter protections and housing policies, we encourage you to apply.
Applications are available on the City Clerk’s Office website. Join us in supporting fair and equitable housing practices in Santa Ana—apply today!
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Know Your Rights
If you believe the owner or property manager of your rental unit or mobile home may not be in compliance with the Ordinance, or if you need assistance interpreting the Ordinance, please reach out to one of the City’s community partners:
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Fair Housing Council of Orange County 2021 E. 4th Street, Suite 122 Santa Ana, CA 92705 Phone: 714-569-0823 Option 4 |
Community Legal Aid SoCal 2101 North Tustin Avenue Santa Ana, CA 92705 Phone: 714-571-5200 |
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Public Law Center 601 Civic Center Drive West Santa Ana, CA 92701 Phone: 714-541-1010 x 303 |
Latino Health Access 450 W 4th Street Santa Ana, CA 92701 Phone: 714-542-7792 |
Seek Mediation Services
Mediation is a voluntary collaborative process wherein the landlord and tenant(s) who have a disagreement can develop options, consider alternatives, and develop a consensual agreement. The role of the Mediator is to facilitate open communication to resolve a dispute in a non-adversarial and confidential manner.
Contact us to access mediation services in collaboration with our community partner Groundswell.
The California Courts Self-Help Guide assists landlords and tenants by offering the following resources:
- Landlords: Starting an eviction case (an unlawful detainer court case)
- Tenants: Understanding your options if you get a Notice to Quit or Summons and Complaint
Click here for more eviction and housing self-help resources.
Please be advised, the City does not recommend or endorse any particular law firm or agency, but leaves it up to tenants to determine their best course of action and chosen representation, if necessary.
Contact Us:801 W. Civic Center Drive Suite 200 Santa Ana, CA 92701 Email: rso@santa-ana.org Tel: (714) 667-2209 Fax: (714) 547-5411 |
Quick Links: |
If you have any difficulty connecting with the links in this Newsletter, enter the following website address into an internet browser to explore the City’s website – www.santa-ana.org/renter-protections