Rent Stabilization Newsletter: August 2026

Rent Stabilization Program Updates

Maximum Allowable Rent Increase Percent - Effective September 1, 2026

Effective September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027, the maximum allowable rent increase for covered rental units and mobilehome spaces in Santa Ana is 2.87%.

This limit is determined by the annual adjustment formula within the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance. Under the Ordinance, annual rent increases are capped at the lesser of 3% or 80% of the change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Table 1: Allowable Rent Increase Calculation

Property owners subject to the Ordinance may only implement one rent increase within a 12-month period and must comply with all applicable Ordinance requirements, including Rental Registry registration and notice requirements, before a rent increase may take effect. Residents and property owners are encouraged to visit the Rent Stabilization Division website for additional information regarding rent increase requirements and tenant protections.

Notice of Allowable Rent Increase - English Notice of Allowable Rent Increase - Spanish Notice of Allowable Rent Increase - Vietnamese

Rental Registry Late Notices Mailing This Month

The Rent Stabilization Division would like to notify property owners and property managers that Notice of Late Registration are being emailed and mailed out this month (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.

Under the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, annual registration of all rental units is required to remain in compliance. If you receive a letter, it means our records indicate that one or more of your units have not yet been registered or had an exemption claimed.

ℹ️ Important Notice

Please be advised that any registrations and payments remaining pending on October 1, 2026, will be subject to the registration fee of $104 per rental unit plus an immediate financial penalty.

Rental Registry Late Fee Schedule Per Rental Unit

Late Fee Calculation Examples

Total Amount Due = Total Base Fee + (Total Base Fee x Late Fee Percentage)

• Example 1: One unit property pending registration paid in October (8.2% Late Fee)
  • $104.00 + ($104.00 x 0.082) = $104.00 + $8.53 = $112.53

• Example 2: Three unit property pending registration paid in October (8.2% Late Fee)
  • Total Base Fee: 3 units x $104.00 = $312.00
  • $312.00 + ($312.00 x 0.082) = $312.00 + $25.58 = $337.58

Property owners and managers are encouraged to complete their registration as soon as possible and review their account for any outstanding balances or required submissions.

For assistance with registration, please review the Rental Registration User Guide or contact the Rent Stabilization Division.

User Guide Rental Registry Contact Us

Ayuda Sin Fronteras Program - Funds Still Available

The Santa Ana City Council has approved additional funding to continue the Ayuda Sin Fronteras ("Help Without Borders") Program, ensuring ongoing emergency financial assistance to households impacted by recent immigration enforcement operations.

Established in July 2025, the Ayuda Sin Fronteras Program offers a one-time payment of up to one month of housing assistance to cover past-due rent, utilities, or both for residents who have been financially affected by detention, deportation, or other immigration-related disruptions.

How to Apply:

Residents must be referred through a trusted community partner. Identification is required for all household members, but citizenship status will not be asked.

For more information, to check eligibility, or to start the referral process, visit the Ayuda Sin Fronteras website or call the helpline at (714) 565-2655.

Ayuda Sin Fronteras Webpage

Rental Housing Board - Two (2) Vacancies

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 two (2) 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.

ℹ️ Community Workshops Updates

The Rent Stabilization Division is currently scheduling its upcoming community workshops. Dates, times, and registration information will be announced once finalized.

Please visit the Community Workshops webpage regularly for the latest schedule and event updates. If you have questions in the meantime, please contact the Rent Stabilization Division for assistance.

Go to Community Workshops Page

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
July 2025 to July 2026

Community Outreach

Santa Ana Police Department - National Night Out Event:

Pictured: Rent Stabilization Division staff at SAPD Night Out Event.

On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, the Rent Stabilization Division participated in the Santa Ana Police Department's National Night Out event at Jerome Park. This free community-wide event provided a wonderful opportunity for Santa Ana residents to meet and greet SAPD officers, connect with local business partners, and access public services. Division staff hosted a resource table to engage directly with families, distributing multilingual educational materials and answering questions about the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance. By providing clear guidance on tenant rights, landlord responsibilities, and rental registry processes, RSD staff worked to ensure that local residents have the support and resources they need to maintain stable housing.

Latino Health Access - Tenant's Rights Workshop:

Pictured: Rent Stabilization Division staff presenting at LHA.

On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, the Rent Stabilization Division collaborated with Latino Health Access to host a Tenant's Rights Workshop aimed at empowering local families. The workshop focused on educating the public about the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, specifically explaining local rent cap limits and eviction protections. Division staff were on-site to deliver a detailed presentation, distribute multilingual resource guides, and answer individual questions from attendees. Partnering with trusted community organizations like Latino Health Access allows the Division to meet residents where they are, ensuring everyone in Santa Ana has access to clear, accurate information regarding their housing rights.

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.