News and Updates
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Rent Stabilization Program Updates
Rental Housing Board Elects New Officers for 2024-25 Term
On August 21st, the Rental Housing Board of Santa Ana gathered for their first meeting, marking the annual election of officers for the 2024-25 term. The Rental Housing Board, established under Section 8-3180 of the city’s ordinances, plays a crucial role in overseeing and regulating rental housing matters within the community.
(Pictured: Left to Right – Ernie Aguilar, Esperanza Martinez, Luis Mier, and Tracy La)
Meet Your New Commissioners
The Rental Housing Board is currently composed of four (4) commission members, representing a diverse cross-section of the community, including tenants, landlords, and at-large members with no financial ties to rental properties. This year’s election saw the selection of a new Chairperson, Tracy La, and Vice Chair, Luis Mier, who will lead the Board in its mission to ensure fair and equitable housing practices across Santa Ana.
The Rental Housing Board’s responsibilities include involvement with hearings on tenant and landlord petitions, implementing policies to maintain housing regulations, and ensuring that adequate resources are available for efficient operation. As the Rental Housing Board moves into this new term, the community can expect continued advocacy for tenant rights, balanced with the interests of landlords, under the leadership of the newly elected officers.
Members of the community are encouraged to stay informed about the Rental Housing Board’s activities and attend meetings to engage with decisions that impact the local rental housing landscape. The Rental Housing Board meets regularly, providing a forum for both landlords and tenants to voice their concerns and seek resolutions through a fair and transparent process. We look forward to the continued positive impact of the Rental Housing Board in the year ahead.
Applications Still Open for Vacant Seats
The Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance (“Ordinance”) safeguards renter protections in Santa Ana by establishing a Rental Housing Board. Under Section 8-3180 of the Ordinance, the Board is designed to include up to seven (7) members. Each City Councilmember appoints one (1) Board Member, with final approval by the City Council, following a random lottery process.
The Rental Housing Board’s composition includes:
- Three (3) Tenants, including at least one (1) Mobilehome Tenant
- Two (2) Landlords; and
- 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.)
We are still accepting applications for the remaining vacant seats on the Board. If you or someone you know is interested in contributing to the community by serving on the Rental Housing Board, please apply. Applications can be found on the City Clerk’s Office website at www.santa-ana.org/rental-housing-board.
Upcoming Events -Fall Community Workshops
Learn about your rights and responsibilities under the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance. These workshops are designed to help tenants understand how the ordinance affects them and how to ensure their housing stability.
Jerome Community Center
- Rent Stabilization Ordinance Workshop
- Thursday, August 29th: 6-7:30pm
- 726 S. Center St, Santa Ana, CA 92704
- Presentation Language: Spanish
Roosevelt-Walker Community Center
- Rent Stabilization Ordinance Workshop
- Tuesday, September 17th: 6-7:30pm
- 816 E. Chestnut Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92701
- Presentation Language: English
Santa Ana Senior Center
- Rent Stabilization Ordinance Workshop
- Wednesday, September 25th: 6-7:30pm
- 424 W. 3rd St, Santa Ana, CA 92701
- Presentation Language: Spanish
Logan Community Center
- Rent Stabilization Ordinance Workshop
- Wednesday, October 9th: 6-7:30pm
- 1009 N. Custer St, Santa Ana, CA 92701
- Presentation Language: Spanish
Southwest Senior Center
- Tenants Right Workshop w/ Community Legal Aid SoCal
- Wednesday, October 16th: 6-7:30pm
- 2201 W. McFadden Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92704
- Presentation Language: English and Spanish
Lawn Bowling Clubhouse
- Rent Stabilization Ordinance Workshop
- Wednesday, October 23rd: 6-7:30pm
- 2525 N. Main St, Santa Ana, CA 92705
- Presentation Language: English
For any special accommodations, please contact us at (714) 667-2209 or rso@santa-ana.org
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Workshops for Santa Ana Unified School District Parents
Additional workshops are offered in collaboration with the Family & Community Engagement (FACE) Department, tailored specifically for parents in the district to better understand their rights and responsibilities under the ordinance. Please contact your local FACE Liaison or the Rent Stabilization Division for more details regarding these sessions.
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 2023 to July 2024
Community Outreach
- August 11th – Chicano Heritage Festival: The Rent Stabilization Division was thrilled to be part of the City of Santa Ana’s third annual Chicano Heritage Festival at Centennial Park. It was a vibrant day of culture, where we had the opportunity to connect with the community amidst the lively atmosphere filled with music, art, and delicious food. Our team was on hand to answer any questions about tenant rights, rent stabilization, and eviction protections, ensuring that residents had access to vital information while enjoying the festival’s rich celebration of Mexican American heritage. We look forward to continuing our outreach at events like these, bringing resources directly to the community.
- August 14th – Community Workshop at Salgado Community Center: The Rent Stabilization Division recently held a dedicated workshop at the Salgado Community Center, specifically designed for our Vietnamese community members. This informative session focused on educating tenants about their rights under the “Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction” ordinance. Attendees gained valuable insights into tenant protections, the criteria for just cause evictions, and the benefits of rent stabilization. The interactive format encouraged participants to ask questions and engage directly with our staff, leaving them empowered with the knowledge to confidently navigate their housing situations.
- August 26th – Heroes Elementary School Parent Workshop: The Rent Stabilization Division visited Heroes Elementary School to host an important workshop for parents, focusing on the “Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction” ordinance. Recognizing the critical role stable housing plays in a child’s education, the workshop aimed to equip families with essential information to help them stay in their homes and avoid potential displacement. Parents learned about their rights, protections against unjust evictions, and the benefits of rent stabilization, all while engaging in meaningful discussions with our staff. By empowering families with this knowledge, we’re helping to ensure that children can continue learning and growing in a stable environment within the Santa Ana Unified School District.
(Pictured: Left – Chicano Heritage Festival at Centennial Park / Right – Community Workshop event at Salgado Community Center)
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:
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Fair Housing Council of Orange County 2021 E. 4th Street, Suite 122 Santa Ana, CA 92705 Phone: 714-569-0823 Option 4 |
Community Legal Aid SoCal 2101 North Tustin Avenue Santa Ana, CA 92705 Phone: 714-571-5200 |
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Public Law Center 601 Civic Center Drive West Santa Ana, CA 92701 Phone: 714-541-1010 x 303 |
Latino Health Access 450 W 4th Street Santa Ana, CA 92701 Phone: 714-542-7792 |
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.
Contact Us:801 W. Civic Center Drive Suite 200 Santa Ana, CA 92701 Email: rso@santa-ana.org Tel: (714) 667-2209 Fax: (714) 547-5411 |
Quick Links: |
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