Rent Stabilization Newsletter: July 2026

Rent Stabilization Program Updates

Rental Registry Fee Increases Effective August 1

Property owners and property managers are reminded that the Rental Registry fee will increase from $100 to $104 per rental unit, effective August 1, 2026, for those who have not already submitted their registration. To avoid the fee increase, rental unit registration must be submitted by July 31, 2026.

Rental Registry Fee Schedule Per Unit

ℹ️ Important Notice

Properties with registration forms submitted by July 31, 2026, will remain at $100 per rental unit, even if payment has not yet been made. Beginning October 1, 2026, any registrations that remain pending will be subject to the $104 per rental unit fee and the applicable late fee.

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

Note: As stated above, any registrations that remain pending beginning October 1, 2026, are subject to the $104.00 base fee.

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

Announcement of 2026-27 Maximum Allowable Rent Increase

2.87%

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

Ayuda Sin Fronteras Program Receives Additional Funding

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 - 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 three (3) 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
June 2025 to June 2026

Rent Stabilization Staff Honored as 2026 Men of Impact by Congressman Lou Correa

The Rent Stabilization Division is proud to recognize Tanner Lappano and Saulo Amezquita as 2026 Men of Impact Honorees by Congressman Lou Correa.

Saulo Amezquita is recognized for his community outreach, conducting Tenant Rights Workshops to help residents understand their protections.

Tanner Lappano is recognized for his work with the Ayuda Sin Fronteras program, connecting eligible households with critical emergency rental and utility assistance.

This recognition honors individuals whose leadership, service, and influence have created a meaningful and lasting impact within the community. The Rent Stabilization Division congratulates Tanner and Saulo on this well-deserved recognition and thanks them for their continued commitment to serving Santa Ana residents.

Pictured Left to Right: Tanner Lappano, Congressman Lou Correa, Saulo Amezquita

Community Outreach

Summer Resource Fait Night:

On July 23, 2026, the Rent Stabilization Division (RSD) participated in the Summer Resource Fair Night at Jerome Park, hosted by Councilmember Benjamin Vazquez and Latino & Muslim Unity. The event brought together community partners and local organizations to connect Santa Ana residents with information about City programs, rental assistance, housing resources, health screenings, and other supportive services. RSD staff were available to provide information and answer questions regarding the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, helping residents better understand their housing rights and available resources.

Back-to-School Supply Giveaway:

On July 30, 2026, the Rent Stabilization Division (RSD) participated in a Back-to-School Supply Giveaway at Santa Ana High School, hosted in partnership with SAUSD and Councilwoman Jessie Lopez. The event provided more than 500 free backpacks, school supplies, and community resources to SAUSD students and their families. RSD staff connected with community members and shared information about the City's housing resources and available support, helping families access valuable services as they prepared for the upcoming school year.

Pictured: Rent Stabilization Division staff at Summer Resource Fair Night

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.