Rent Stabilization Newsletter – April 2024

Posted on May 1, 2024


 

News and Updates

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Community Engagement – Navigating Change Together:

Insight from the CRSN Semi-Annual Convening

We are excited to share that our team recently attended the CRSN Semi-Annual Convening in Sacramento on April 18th. This gathering brought together rent stabilization professionals from across California to exchange insights on changes in state law, emerging issues, and ongoing litigation relevant to local rent stabilization ordinances. Hosted by California Rent Stabilization News (CRSN), this event underscores our commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in our field. By participating in such forums, we aim to enhance our ability to serve our landlord and tenant community effectively. These meetings also provide invaluable networking opportunities, allowing us to forge connections with colleagues statewide. We look forward to integrating the knowledge gained from this convening into our efforts to ensure compliance with the law and uphold best practices in our program operations.

CalOptima Health Community Resource Fair

We’re thrilled to share the success of the CalOptima Health Community Resource Fair and Naloxone Distribution Event on April 27th! With over 2,500 participants, the event highlighted the wealth of resources available in our community. The City of Santa Ana Community Development Agency showcased our Rent Stabilization Division (RSD), reflecting our city’s dedication to promoting and protecting Owner and Tenant rights.

Visitors including public officials took the opportunity to visit our Rent Stabilization Division, acknowledging Santa Ana’s proactive stance toward tenant protection. Vice President of Student Services Vaniethia Hubbard enthusiastically endorsed RSD outreach to students, and Latino Health Access expressed eagerness to promote rental stability within their network.

Día de los Niños Celebration

The Rent Stabilization Division also attended the Santa Ana Public Library’s Día De Los Niños celebration on April 27th!

Among the vibrant festivities, the Rent Stabilization Division made a meaningful presence at the celebration. Engaging with families amidst the joyous atmosphere, our team provided valuable information about the City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance and educated the public about their rights.

Throughout the event, various community leaders stopped by to chat with the team, demonstrating support for our outreach efforts and the important work of empowering Santa Ana residents with knowledge and resources. It’s moments like these that reinforce our commitment to serving the community and ensuring that Santa Ana residents have access to the support they need.

Rental Housing Board

The Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance (“Ordinance”) provides for the administration and enforcement of renter protections for Santa Ana renters by establishing a Rental Housing Board.

Under Section 8-3180 of the Ordinance, the Rental Housing Board (“Board”) shall consist of seven (7) Board Members. Each City Councilmember shall appoint one (1) Board Member, to be approved by the City Council, in an equitable order based upon a random lottery process. The Board shall be comprised of:

  1. Three (3) Tenants, including at least one (1) Mobilehome Tenant
  2. Two (2) Landlords; and
  3. Two (2) at-large Members with no financial interest in and no ownership of income-generating rental housing. (For example, an owner of a single-family dwelling that lives in that dwelling.)

Applications are currently being accepted and are located on the City Clerk’s Office website at www.santa-ana.org/rental-housing-board. If you or someone you know may be interested in serving on the Rental Housing Board, we encourage you to apply.

Who can I contact for questions about Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance?

If you have questions regarding the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, we are here to help. You can reach out to us via email at rso@santa-ana.org or call our Rent Stabilization Helpline at (714) 667-2209. Our dedicated staff is available to assist you. We are committed to ensuring that you have the support and resources necessary to understand and navigate the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance effectively.

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.

 

Know Your Rights

If you believe the owner or property manager for your rental unit or mobilehome may not be in compliance with the Ordinance, or you need assistance interpreting the Ordinance, please reach out to one of the City’s community partners:

Fair Housing Council of Orange County

www.fairhousingoc.org

info@fairhousingoc.org

2021 E. 4th Street, Suite 122

Santa Ana, CA 92705

Phone: 714-569-0823 Option 4

Public Law Center

www.publiclawcenter.org

info@publiclawcenter.org

601 Civic Center Drive West

Santa Ana, CA 92701

Phone: 714-541-1010 x 303

Community Legal Aid SoCal

www.communitylegalsocal.org

2101 North Tustin Avenue

Santa Ana, CA 92705

Phone: 714-571-5200

Latino Health Access

www.latinohealthaccess.org

450 W 4th Street

Santa Ana, CA 92701

Phone: 714-542-7792

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.

Contact Us:

20 Civic Center Plaza

Santa Ana, CA 92702

Email: rso@santa-ana.org

Tel: (714) 667-2209

Fax: (714) 547-5411

Quick Links:

Our Website

Read the Ordinance

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any difficulty connecting with the links in this Newsletter, enter the following website address into an internet browser to explore the City’s website – www.santa-ana.org/renter-protections

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