Rent Stabilization Newsletter: April 2026

Rent Stabilization Program Updates

Upcoming Rental Unit Registration Cycle: Notices Mailing in May

The Rent Stabilization Division would like to inform property owners and managers that official registration letters for the fourth Rental Registry cycle will be mailed out in May 2026. These notices will cover the upcoming billing period of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

Please be on the lookout for your mailed notice, as it will include further instructions on how to complete your rental unit registration starting June 1, 2026.

Additional details regarding the registration cycle, along with a comprehensive user guide, will be provided in our upcoming June 2026 newsletter.

HomeOwnership OC - Home Matters: Mobilehome & Fair Housing Rights Webinar

The Rent Stabilization Division is pleased to share an upcoming virtual educational opportunity hosted by HomeOwnership OC aimed at supporting mobilehome residents and homeowners throughout our community.

The "Home Matters: Mobile Home and Fair Housing Rights" webinar will provide attendees with important information on tenant and ownership rights, fair housing protections, and how to respond to potential wrongful eviction notices. Participants will also learn how HUD-approved housing counselors can assist in identifying solutions and navigating housing-related concerns at no cost.

This free workshop will be held via Zoom on Monday, May 12, with two available session times at 9:00AM and 6:00PM, allowing residents to attend at their convenience from home.

Residents interested in learning more about their housing rights, particularly those living in mobilehome communities, are encouraged to take advantage of this informative session.

For additional information or assistance, community members may contact HomeOwnership OC directly.

Registration Webpage

Mobilehome Residents: Know Your Rights and Resources

The Rent Stabilization Division recognizes that mobilehome residents may be covered by additional state laws beyond the City's Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance. For residents living in mobilehome parks, the State of California provides important protections through the Mobilehome Residency Law (MRL), which addresses topics such as rental agreements, park rules, and eviction requirements.

To support residents, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) offers a Mobilehome Assistance Center that provides guidance and resources specific to mobilehome living.

Residents may contact the Mobilehome Assistance Center directly for support:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 1 (800) 952-8356

The Rent Stabilization Division remains available to help clarify how local protections may apply alongside state law and to connect residents with appropriate resources.

Mobilehome Assistance Center

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, to be approved by the City Council.

Currently, there are Four (4) vacancies on the Board. If you or someone you know is interested in serving your community by contributing to the oversight of renter protections, 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!

City Clerk's Office Webpage

Upcoming Community Events

Join us to learn about your rights and responsibilities under the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance (RSJCEO). Division staff regularly attend local and virtual events to assist tenants and landlords in understanding how the Ordinance supports housing stability throughout Santa Ana.

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
March 2025 to March 2026

Community Outreach

SAUSD - Tenant's Rights Community Workshop:

On April 20, 2026, the Rent Stabilization Division, in collaboration with the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD), hosted an online Tenant's Rights Community Workshop to continue supporting families with accessible housing education. The virtual session was offered via Zoom, allowing residents to participate from the comfort of their homes. City staff provided an overview of the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance (RSJCEO), including information on allowable rent increases, just cause eviction protections, and available City and community resources. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with staff, fostering meaningful dialogue and strengthening understanding of tenant protections. These workshops remain a key component of the Division's commitment to multilingual outreach and promoting housing stability throughout the Santa Ana community.

SAUSD Recognizes Rent Stabilization Division:

On April 28, 2026, the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) Board of Education formally recognized the Rent Stabilization Division alongside other community partners for supporting the development and implementation of the District's Immigration Support Plan. This plan was established to provide critical resources, guidance, and protection systems for students and families navigating immigration-related challenges. The Rent Stabilization Division has a strong, ongoing partnership with SAUSD, regularly collaborating to host Tenant's Rights Community Workshops that provide accessible housing education to local families. Alongside these educational workshops, the Division's role in administering the Ayuda Sin Fronteras program has been an instrumental part of offering targeted support and resources to the community. We are honored by this recognition, which highlights the importance of collaboration in advancing equity, inclusion, and fostering a supportive, welcoming environment for all members of the Santa Ana school community.

Know Your Rights

If you believe the owner or property manager of your rental unit or mobilehome 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:

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.