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 annual adjustment is determined by a formula established within the city's Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance. The ordinance caps yearly rent increases at the lesser of 3% or 80% of the change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Property owners in Santa Ana whose units are subject to the Ordinance are permitted to implement only one rent increase within a 12-month period. Additionally, they must comply with all applicable Ordinance requirements, including Rental Registry registration and specific notice requirements, before any rent increase can take effect.
In related compliance news, the Rent Stabilization Division began emailing and mailing "Notice of Late Registration" letters in September 2026. These notices are directed to owners of rental units that remain unregistered in the City’s Rental Registry for the 2026–2027 program year. The Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance mandates annual registration for all rental units to maintain compliance. According to the Division, if an owner receives a letter, it indicates that city records show one or more of their units have not yet been registered, or an exemption has not been claimed.
Owners are advised that any registrations and payments that remain pending on October 1, 2026, will be subject to a registration fee of $104 per rental unit, in addition to an immediate financial penalty. The total amount due in such cases will be calculated as the Total Base Fee plus the product of the Total Base Fee and the Late Fee Percentage. Property owners and managers are encouraged to complete their registration promptly and to review their accounts for any outstanding balances or required submissions.
Separately, the Santa Ana City Council has approved additional funding to continue the Ayuda Sin Fronteras ("Help Without Borders") Program. This program, established in July 2025, offers ongoing emergency financial assistance to households in Santa Ana that have been impacted by recent immigration enforcement operations. The Ayuda Sin Fronteras Program provides a one-time payment of up to one month of housing assistance, designed to cover past-due rent, utilities, or both, for residents who have been financially affected by detention, deportation, or other immigration-related disruptions. Residents seeking assistance must be referred through a trusted community partner. While identification is required for all household members, citizenship status will not be requested.
To support the administration and enforcement of renter protections, the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance also establishes a Rental Housing Board. Section 8-3180 of the Ordinance specifies that the Board consists of seven members. Each City Councilmember selects one member, subject to approval by the full City Council. Currently, there are two vacancies on this Board. Individuals interested in serving the community and contributing to the oversight of renter protections are encouraged to apply through the City Clerk’s Office website.
The Rent Stabilization Division is actively involved in community outreach and education. Division staff regularly attend local and virtual events to assist both tenants and landlords in understanding their rights and responsibilities under the Ordinance, fostering housing stability throughout Santa Ana. The Division is currently scheduling its upcoming community workshops, with dates, times, and registration information to be announced once finalized. Residents and property owners are encouraged to monitor the Community Workshops webpage for updates.
In August 2026, Division staff participated in two key outreach events. On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, the Rent Stabilization Division attended the Santa Ana Police Department’s National Night Out event at Jerome Park. Staff hosted a resource table, distributing multilingual educational materials and answering questions regarding tenant rights, landlord responsibilities, and rental registry processes. On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, the Division collaborated with Latino Health Access to conduct a Tenant’s Rights Workshop. This event focused on educating attendees about the Ordinance, specifically detailing local rent cap limits and eviction protections. Division staff delivered a presentation, distributed multilingual resource guides, and addressed individual questions.
City staff also provide daily service by responding to telephone and email inquiries regarding the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance and general landlord/tenant issues. Common topics of concern for landlords, tenants, real estate brokers, and prospective property owners include evictions, allowable rent increases, and the City’s Rental Registry. For those who believe an owner or property manager may not be in compliance with the Ordinance, or require assistance interpreting it, several community partners in Santa Ana offer support. These organizations include the 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 on eviction and housing matters. The City of Santa Ana maintains a neutral stance, advising individuals to determine their best course of action and chosen representation without endorsing specific law firms or agencies.
