News and Updates
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Rent Stabilization Program Updates
Property Owner Notice: Important Update on Rental Property Registration
Attention property owners! A notice was recently mailed to all rental properties that have not yet completed their registration for the City of Santa Ana’s Rental Registry. This notice outlines the required steps to comply with the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, as well as the consequences for late registration.
*If you received this notice but completed your registration after February 18, 2025, you may disregard the letter. The mailing list was generated prior to that date.
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Eviction Prevention Program: Supporting Santa Ana Residents in Need
The City of Santa Ana is committed to addressing the ongoing financial challenges faced by its residents due to rising housing costs, rent burdens, and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. To help low-income households facing eviction, the City has launched the Eviction Prevention Program (EPP).
Who Can Apply?
If you’re a Santa Ana renter who has received a notice for non-payment of rent and are struggling financially, you may qualify for this program. Assistance includes one-time payments to landlords to cover rental arrears, helping you stay in your home and avoid eviction.
Eligibility Requirements:
✔ Household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (see income limits on our website).
✔ Financial hardship directly or indirectly caused by COVID-19.
✔ Residence within the City of Santa Ana with a valid lease or rental agreement.
✔ A written notice for non-payment of rent.
How It Works:
Approved applicants will receive a one-time payment directly to their landlord to cover past-due rent, ensuring transparency and promoting housing stability. Certain housing stability services may also be available.
What You’ll Need to Apply:
- Valid photo ID for all adult household members.
- Proof of residency and rent (e.g., lease agreement, rental ledger).
- Documentation of financial hardship (e.g., pay stubs, tax returns, or an attestation).
Get Started:
Visit the Eviction Prevention Program website using the link below to apply and find more information. Applications will be processed by Families Forward, a trusted local nonprofit, to ensure timely and accurate assistance.
Act now to prevent eviction and secure your housing future!
| EPP Webpage | Contact Us |
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Introducing Mediation Services Webpage
The Rent Stabilization Division is excited to announce the launch of a new webpage highlighting our mediation services! Mediation provides a constructive and collaborative way for tenants and landlords to address conflicts before they escalate, promoting understanding and fostering harmonious relationships in our community.
Offered in partnership with Groundswell, these services create an inclusive space where parties can communicate effectively, consider different perspectives, and work toward mutually beneficial solutions. Mediation is a non-adversarial process led by a neutral mediator who facilitates dialogue but does not impose decisions or provide legal advice. Sessions are designed to explore creative solutions tailored to the unique circumstances of each case.
Visit our website to learn more about this invaluable resource and how to schedule a session.
| Mediation Webpage | Contact Us |
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Protect Your Family from Lead Paint Hazards – Limited Funding Still Available
Orange County continues its mission to safeguard families from lead poisoning by offering free lead hazard removal services for eligible property owners and tenants. Through a partnership with Azure Community Development and the California Department of Public Health’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch, this program has already helped families create safer homes.
Act Now! This crucial Orange County program, with limited funding, will close later this year. Secure assistance for your family today.
Who Qualifies?
To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:
- Have a child under 6 years old or a pregnant woman residing in the home.
- Live in a home built before 1978, located in Orange County.
- Have a household income at or below the specified limits.
Azure Community Development will oversee the lead hazard removal process, covering relocation costs if necessary.
Protect Your Loved Ones Today
Take advantage of this free service to make your home lead-safe. Contact us for more details or to begin the pre-screening process:
- Phone: 323-477-1160
- Email: info@azuredevelopmentco.com
- Visit Azure Community Development’s website.
Let’s ensure every family has a safe, lead-free home!
| Program Flyer | Pre-Screening | SA Webpage |
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Upcoming Community Events
Join us to learn about your rights and responsibilities under the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance (RSJCEO). Our staff will be attending local events to assist tenants and landlords in understanding the ordinance and how it impacts housing stability.
Tenants’ Rights Workshops – Community Legal Aid SoCal hosted by SAUSD
Community Struggling with housing issues? Want to know your rights? Join us for our Tenant’s Rights Workshop! Discover how we can support you in maintaining your housing stability and security. This is your chance to empower yourself with essential knowledge and resources. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
Santiago TK-8 Elementary School – MPR
📆 – Tuesday, March 11, 2025
📍 – 2212 N. Baker St, Santa Ana, CA 92706
⏰ – 5:00 – 7:00 PM
🌐 – Presented in preferred language of attendees (English or Spanish)
Willard Elementary School – MPR
📆 – Wednesday, March 12, 2025
📍 – 1342 N. Ross St, Santa Ana, CA 92706
⏰ – 3:00 – 5:00 PM
🌐 – Presented in preferred language of attendees (English or Spanish)
RSJCEO Workshops – FACE / SAUSD
The Santa Ana Rent Stabilization Division is thrilled to collaborate with the Family & Community Engagement (FACE) Department of the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD). Together, we’re offering workshops designed to empower parents and caregivers with knowledge about the City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance and their housing rights. These sessions provide valuable information to help create a stable and supportive community for all residents
To learn more or to register for a workshop, please contact your local FACE Liaison or the Rent Stabilization Division.
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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
January 2024 to January 2025
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Community Outreach
SAUSD FACE Tenant Rights Workshops:
The Rent Stabilization Division continued its collaboration with the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Department by hosting a new series of Tenant Rights Workshops in February 2025. These engaging sessions took place at Greenville Fundamental School on February 11, Lydia Romero-Cruz Academy on February 18, and Davis Elementary School on February 25. Families attending the workshops gained essential information about the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, including rent increase limits, just cause eviction requirements, and tenant resources available to them. The workshops fostered meaningful discussions, with participants actively engaging, asking insightful questions, and connecting with our team to enhance their understanding of their rights and protections.
RSJCEO Workshops – Scholarship Prep Event:
The Rent Stabilization Division had the privilege of presenting at Scholarship Prep Orange County Public Charter School’s event on February 12, 2025. As one of multiple presenters, we were glad to contribute to this meaningful gathering. Our team provided valuable insights into the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, equipping attendees with knowledge about tenant protections and resources. Events like these foster collaboration and awareness, and we look forward to continuing to support and engage with the community.
(Pictured: Left –SAUSD FACE Workshop at Davis Elm. / Right – SAUSD FACE Workshop at Greenville Fundamental School)
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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 through an equitable random lottery process. The Board includes:
- Three (3) Tenants, including at least one (1) Mobilehome Tenant;
- Two (2) Landlords with rental property experience; and
- Two (2) At-Large Members with no financial interest in or ownership of income-generating rental housing (e.g., an owner-occupant of a single-family home).
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 and housing policies, 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!
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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 |
Seek Mediation Services
Mediation is a voluntary collaborative process wherein the landlord and tenant(s) who have a disagreement can develop options, consider alternatives, and develop a consensual agreement. The role of the Mediator is to facilitate open communication to resolve a dispute in a non-adversarial and confidential manner.
Contact us to access mediation services in collaboration with our community partner Groundswell.
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