News and Updates
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Rent Stabilization Program Updates
Attention Property Owners: Rental Registry Deadline Passed
The January 31, 2025, deadline for the City of Santa Ana’s Rental Registry has passed. However, property owners are still required to register their rental units and pay the registration fee for the July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, cycle.
Property owners who missed the deadline cannot pass through any portion of the registration fee to tenants as allowed under the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance. Tenants improperly charged this fee may file a petition with the City to recover those charges.
Payments Made via Check
Payments postmarked on or before January 31, 2025, will be honored as timely.
Tenants and property owners are encouraged to stay informed about their rights and responsibilities under the Ordinance. Property owners should act promptly to avoid further noncompliance issues.
Visit www.santa-ana.org/rental-registry to complete your registration or contact us at (714) 667-2209 or rso@santa-ana.org for assistance. In-person support is available by walk-in or appointment at 801 W. Civic Center Dr., Suite 200, Santa Ana, CA.
| RSD Website | Contact Us | RSJCEO |
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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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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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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.
RSJCEO Workshops – Scholarship Prep Events
📍 1821 N. Grand Avenue, Santa Ana, CA
📆 Wednesday, February 12, 2025
⏰ 6:00 – 7:30 PM
🌐 Presented in English & Spanish
Tenants’ Rights Workshops – COMING SOON
Community Legal Aid SoCal hosted by the Santa Ana Unified School District will be providing multiple workshops across the City of Santa Ana in the near future. Addiotnal information will be provided on future Rent Stabilization Newsletters.
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
December 2023 to December 2024
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Community Outreach
- SAUSD FACE Tenant Rights Workshops: The Rent Stabilization Division continued its partnership with the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Department by hosting a series of Tenant Rights Workshops in January 2025. These informative sessions were held at Jackson Elementary School on January 21, Circulos High School on January 24, and Century High School on January 28. Families in attendance gained valuable knowledge about the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, including rent increase limits, just cause eviction criteria, and tenant resources available to them. These workshops provided an opportunity for meaningful engagement, with participants asking thoughtful questions and connecting with our team to better understand their rights and protections.
- RSJCEO Workshops – Scholarship Prep Event: The Rent Stabilization Division had the privilege of presenting at Scholarship Prep Orange County’s event on January 10, 2025, held at Newsong Church (1010 W. 17th Street, Santa Ana, CA). 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.
- Tết (Lunar New Year) Festival: The Rent Stabilization Division joined the second annual Santa Ana Tết (Lunar New Year) Festival on January 25, 2025, at Centennial Park. This vibrant community event, hosted by the Santa Ana Parks, Recreation & Community Services Agency and the Santa Ana Public Library, celebrated the Year of the Snake with cultural performances and live entertainment. Our team connected with attendees at our informational table, providing materials about the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance. It was an incredible opportunity to engage with the community, share resources, and join in the celebration of Santa Ana’s rich Asian and Vietnamese cultural traditions.
(Pictured: Left – SAUSD FACE Workshop at Circulos HS / Right – Tết (Lunar New Year) Festival)
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Community Partner Spotlight: We Care Wellness & Education Fair
We are excited to spotlight the We Care Wellness and Education Fair, hosted by our community partner, the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD). This impactful event will take place on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Saddleback High School from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
As part of SAUSD’s annual “We Care Get Help” campaign, this fair aims to raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health education throughout the month of February. The event will feature resources, expert insights, and engaging activities to support the emotional and mental well-being of our community.
Event Details:
📆: February 21, 2025
⏰: 1:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
📍 : Saddleback High School, Santa Ana
We encourage everyone to attend this meaningful event and take advantage of the opportunity to connect with SAUSD and learn more about their efforts to promote wellness in our community.
For more information and to register for the fair, visit SAUSD’s “We Care” page.
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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