News and Updates
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Notice of Allowable Rent Increase Effective September 1, 2023
The City’s Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance (“Ordinance”) prohibits increases in rent on residential real property or mobilehome spaces in the City of Santa Ana in excess of three (3) percent, or eighty (80) percent of the change in the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”), whichever is less, and more than one (1) rent increase in any twelve (12) month period. Under the Ordinance, the City shall announce the amount of allowable rent increase no later than June 30th each year, which shall be effective as of September 1st of that year.
According to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, which reports the applicable CPI, the increase in CPI from May 2022 through May 2023 was 3.18% (as indicated in Table 1). Since 80% of the change in CPI through May 2023 is 2.54%, which is less than 3%, the allowable rent increase for the period effective September 1, 2023, through August 31, 2024, will be 2.54%.
Click the links below to view the full Notice of Allowable Rent Increase, which can also be found on the City’s website:
Applying the Allowable Rent Increase
The Ordinance provides guidance on how the property owner/landlord/property manager (collectively, “Owner”) may increase rent:
- Only one rent increase is allowed in a 12-month period, and it cannot exceed the allowable rent increase in effect for that period.
- No rent increase shall be effective if the owner:
- Fails to substantially comply with all provisions of the Ordinance, including, but not limited to the failure to provide notices as required;
- Fails to maintain the residential property or mobilehome space in compliance with California law;
- Fails to make repairs ordered by the City or courts, or
- Fails to accurately complete the rental unit registration*
*Click Here to sign up to receive updates on the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, including the launch of the City’s Rental Registry.
Are there Noticing Requirements for Rent Increases?
Yes. A property owner subject to the Ordinance shall provide tenants with written notice of the existence and scope of the Ordinance on or before the date of commencement of a tenancy, or as part of any notice to increase rent. Template notices in English, Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Korean can be found on the City’s website.
Please refer to California Civil Code Section 827 and the Mobilehome Residency Law for more information on noticing requirements for rent increases.
Does the Allowable Rent Increase Apply to Me?
Not all rental units are subject to the provisions of the Ordinance. Please refer to Section 8-3147 of the Ordinance to determine if your rental unit(s) may be exempt from the allowable rent increase. If you rent or own a rental unit in Santa Ana, the infographic below will help you learn more about the rent stabilization provisions of the Ordinance, and whether they may apply to you.
Resource Spotlight – Fair Housing Council of Orange County
The Fair Housing Council of Orange County’s mission is to protect the quality of life in Orange County by ensuring equal access to housing opportunities, fostering diversity, and preserving dignity and human rights.
The Fair Housing Council of Orange County provides fair housing enforcement and education, landlord/tenant counseling, and counseling via a HUD Housing Counseling Program. These services are available free of charge in English and Spanish:
- Fair Housing Enforcement – The Fair Housing Council investigates housing discrimination complaints, assists complainants with referrals to government enforcement agencies and assists in, or becomes a party to, litigation aimed at halting illegal discriminatory housing practices.
- Landlord/Tenant Counseling – The Fair Housing Council provides counseling concerning housing rights, obligations and laws, and answers questions about the rights and obligations of landlords or tenants.
- HUD Housing Counseling – Provides assistance with more complex housing matters.
To learn more about these services, call 714-569-0823 or visit www.fairhousingoc.org.
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. Since the inception of the Rent Stabilization Program in November 2021, staff members have spoken with over 2,500 individuals. Persons contacting the City include landlords, tenants, real estate brokers, prospective tenants and prospective property owners. The most common topics of concern are evictions and allowable rent increases.
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
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
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
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:
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