Rent Stabilization Newsletter: March 2026

Rent Stabilization Program Updates

New Ordinance Addresses Algorithmic Rent-Setting

The Santa Ana City Council has adopted a new ordinance to strengthen renter protections by limiting the use of certain rent-setting software for residential properties. Approved on March 3, 2026, this action responds to concerns that some tools use nonpublic market data-such as real-time rents, lease activity, and occupancy levels-to influence pricing in ways that may drive rents higher.

The ordinance applies specifically to residential rental housing in Santa Ana and does not restrict tools that rely on publicly available data, historical trends, or those used for affordable housing compliance.

Key Provisions of the Ordinance:

• Bans Price-Fixing Software: Prohibits the use of certain algorithmic rent-setting tools in the local rental market.
• Empowers Tenants: Allows tenants to take civil action if these software violations occur.
• Easier to Prove: Lowers the burden of proof-tenants only need to show the prohibited software was used, rather than proving landlords actively colluded.
• Meaningful Penalties: Impacted tenants may seek damages, injunctive relief, up to $1,000 per violation, and attorney's fees.

This ordinance is intended to promote fair and transparent rental practices while complementing broader state-level protections.

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
February 2025 to February 2026

Community Outreach

SAUSD - Tenant's Rights Community Workshop:

On March 16, 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.

City of Santa Ana - Mobilehome Park Tenant Assistance Outreach:

The Rent Stabilization Division conducted a coordinated outreach effort to assist residents of a local mobilehome park experiencing multiple eviction actions and other housing-related concerns. Division staff were deployed to both the City's WORK Center and onsite at the mobilehome park to provide direct support and improve access to services. At the WORK Center, staff assisted residents by directing them to appropriate service areas, facilitating intake, and providing administrative support such as document copying and scanning. Onsite at the mobilehome park, staff coordinated sign-ups for residents to meet with Rent Stabilization staff and provided general guidance based on individual circumstances. This outreach effort reflects the Division's continued approach to providing direct, accessible support to residents facing urgent housing issues and ensuring awareness of available protections and resources.

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.