The City of Santa Ana has set the maximum allowable rent increase for covered rental units and mobilehome spaces at 2.87% for the period of September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027. This limit is determined by an annual adjustment formula within the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, which caps increases at the lesser of 3% or 80% of the change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Property owners subject to the Ordinance are permitted to implement only one rent increase within any 12-month period. Compliance with all applicable Ordinance requirements, including Rental Registry registration and specific notice provisions, is mandatory before any rent increase can take effect. Residents and property owners are encouraged to consult the Rent Stabilization Division website for detailed information regarding these requirements and tenant protections, with notices of allowable rent increases available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
In related action, the Santa Ana City Council has approved additional funding to ensure the continuation of the Ayuda Sin Fronteras (“Help Without Borders”) Program. Established in July 2025, this program offers emergency financial assistance to households financially impacted by recent immigration enforcement operations. It provides a one-time payment of up to one month of housing assistance, which can cover past-due rent, utilities, or both. Eligibility requires residents to have been financially affected by detention, deportation, or other immigration-related disruptions. Residents must be referred through a trusted community partner, and while identification is required for all household members, citizenship status will not be requested. More information, eligibility checks, and referral processes are available via the Ayuda Sin Fronteras website or by calling the helpline at (714) 565-2655.
The Rent Stabilization Division also issued official reminders during September 2026 to property owners and managers whose rental units remained unregistered for the 2026-2027 program year. Under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance, annual registration is a requirement for compliance, and failure to register or claim exemption promptly can result in financial penalties. To ensure compliance, owners must log into the Rental Registry portal, review unit information, complete any pending tasks, and pay applicable fees. Owners asserting an exemption must also ensure their formal exemption requests have been submitted and approved. The Division has published a Rental Registration User Guide to assist users with the updated system.
Opportunities exist for community involvement in the oversight of renter protections. The Rental Housing Board, established by Section 8-3180 of the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, administers and enforces renter protections for Santa Ana tenants. Comprised of seven members appointed by the City Council, with each Councilmember selecting one member for Council approval, the Board currently has two vacancies. Individuals interested in serving the community in this capacity can find application forms on the City Clerk’s Office website.
The Rent Stabilization Division continues its public outreach efforts to educate tenants and landlords on their rights and responsibilities. Division staff regularly participate in local and virtual events to clarify the Ordinance’s role in promoting housing stability. Two Tenant’s Rights Workshops are scheduled for October 27, 2026. The Division notes that dedicated Property Owner/Property Manager Workshops are under development and will be announced in the near future. The Community Workshops webpage provides the latest schedule and access links.
Throughout September 2026, the Division engaged with the community at various events. On September 12 and 13, 2026, staff participated in Santa Ana’s annual Fiestas Patrias festival, hosting a resource table to distribute multilingual guides and answer questions about tenant protections, landlord obligations, and local housing resources. On September 29, 2026, the Division hosted its monthly virtual Tenant’s Rights Community Workshops via Zoom, providing two live sessions—one in English and one in Spanish—to present an overview of the Ordinance, detail rent cap limits, explain eviction protections, and conduct a live Q&A session.
From August 2025 to August 2026, City staff responded to daily telephone and email inquiries from landlords, tenants, real estate brokers, and prospective property owners regarding the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance and general landlord/tenant issues. Common topics included evictions, allowable rent increases, and the City’s Rental Registry.
For residents who believe their property owner or manager may not be in compliance with the Ordinance, or who require assistance interpreting the Ordinance, the City recommends reaching out to one of its community partners. These partners include Fair Housing Council of Orange County, Community Legal Aid SoCal, Public Law Center, and Latino Health Access. The California Courts Self-Help Guide also offers resources for landlords and tenants. The City clarifies that it does not endorse any specific firm or agency, leaving tenants to determine their best course of action and representation, if needed. For direct inquiries, the Rent Stabilization Division can be contacted at (714) 667-2209 or via email at [email protected].
