Santa Ana Rent Control: Everything You Need to Know

Understanding Santa Ana’s Rent Control Ordinance

Santa Ana, California, is the only city in Orange County that has implemented rent control regulations to protect tenants from rent increases. If you're a landlord in Santa Ana, understanding the rent control laws is crucial to ensure compliance and protecting your financial interests. This guide covers everything you need to know about Santa Ana rent control, including key provisions, exemptions, and how it impacts renters and property owners. As a property manager in Santa Ana, we are very familiar with this law and been through this process with multiple properties. 

What is Santa Ana Rent Control?

Santa Ana’s rent control ordinance, formally known as the Santa Ana Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, went into effect on November 19, 2021. This law limits how much landlords can increase rent annually and provides protections against unjust evictions.

Key Provisions of Santa Ana Rent Control

1. Rent Increase Limitations:

   • Annual rent increases are capped at 3% or 80% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is lower.

   • The rent cap applies to multi-family properties built before February 1, 1995.

2. Just Cause Eviction Protections:

   • Landlords must provide a valid reason to evict tenants.

   • Justifiable reasons include nonpayment of rent, violation of lease terms, or owner move-in.

   • Tenants who have lived in a rental unit for more than 30 days are covered by these protections.

3. Exemptions from Rent Control:

   • Single-family homes and condos (unless owned by a corporation or REIT)

   • Units built after February 1, 1995

   • Government-subsidized housing

How Santa Ana Rent Control Impacts Landlords

• Compliance is mandatory, and landlords must notify tenants of their rights.

• All landlord must register their property or file for an exemption(reach out with questions, we have done this many times)

• Landlords must follow specific procedures when issuing rent increases or evictions.

• Violations can lead to legal penalties, including fines.

Conclusion

Santa Ana’s rent control laws are very strict but we are here to help. Please contact us if you have any questions related to the rental registry or how we can help in managing your property.  For the latest updates on Santa Ana rent control, visit the official City of Santa Ana website or consult with a local housing attorney.

Disclaimer: This information contained here are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. The author of this document is not an attorney, and the information presented should not be considered as a substitute for professional legal advice. We are licensed Real Estate agents and are not permitted to give legal nor tax advice.