News and Updates
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Rent Stabilization Program Updates
Important Notice: Rental Registration for FY 2024-25
Attention Landlords!
The second registration cycle is scheduled to open on December 2nd, 2024 and remain active until June 30th, 2025.
During the first rental registration cycle, the City of Santa Ana Rent Stabilization Division extended the registration period to allow landlords additional time to register their rental units. As a result, the second registration period has a condensed timeline to ensure a return to the standard annual registration cycle of July 1st through June 30th.
Landlords must register their rental property to comply with the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance (“RSJCEO”). Certain rental properties may qualify for an exemption from the Ordinance’s rent increase limits and just cause eviction requirements. Please refer to the RSJCEO to determine if your property qualifies for an exemption. Exemptions approved during the first registration cycle will automatically carry over to the second registration cycle.
This month, a Registration Notice with details and expectations for the second registration cycle will be sent to all property owners. Those registered in the Rental Registry will receive an email to the designated contact. Those not yet registered will receive a notice by mail to the property’s mailing address on record.
For more information or assistance, visit the City’s website or contact the Rent Stabilization Division.
| RSD Website | Contact Us | RSJCEO |
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Building Bridges Through Conflict Resolution: The Rent Stabilization Division Partners with Groundswell
We’re excited to announce a new partnership between the City of Santa Ana’s Rent Stabilization Division and Groundswell to provide mediation services for residents!
Groundswell, assists in resolving disputes in a neutral, collaborative environment. If you’re navigating a housing-related conflict, mediation can be a powerful first step to reach mutual solutions—avoiding the stress, time, and cost of going to court.
Mediation through Groundswell is always voluntary, confidential, and focused on improving communication between all parties. A case manager will guide participants through the process, and most who engage in mediation reach meaningful, sustainable agreements.
If the mediation does not lead to a resolution, parties still have the option to pursue legal action. However, early mediation can reduce the emotional toll of conflicts and empower neighbors and landlords to find creative solutions together.
To explore whether mediation is right for your situation, contact the Rent Stabilization Division to help you get started with the request.
This collaboration aligns with our commitment to fostering stable, harmonious communities by offering support, resources, and tools that enhance tenant-landlord relationships.
For more details on Groundswell, visit https://wearegroundswell.org/. Let’s make mediation your first step toward resolution!
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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. Our staff will be attending local events to assist tenants and landlords in understanding the ordinance and how it impacts housing stability.
Santa Ana Thanksgiving Event – Cesar Chavez Campesino Park
- Rent Stabilization Ordinance Booth
- Saturday, November 16th: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- 3311 W. 5th Street, Santa Ana, CA 92703
- Brochures, flyers, and other materials available
Fiesta del Mariachi – Santa Ana Stadium
- Rent Stabilization Ordinance Booth
- Sunday, December 8th: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- 602 N. Flower Street, Santa Ana, CA 92703
- Brochures, flyers, and other materials
SAUSD FACE Tenant Rights Workshops
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
September 2023 to September 2024
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Community Outreach
- SAUSD FACE Tenant Rights Workshops: The Rent Stabilization Division recently conducted multiple tenant rights workshops across Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) campuses throughout October. These workshops, held at schools such as Pio Pico Elementary, Heninger, Carver, Kennedy, and others, were designed to provide families with essential information about the “Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction” ordinance. Topics included rent increase limits, just cause eviction criteria, and resources available to tenants. These sessions encouraged participants to ask questions and engage with our knowledgeable staff, ensuring they are equipped to better understand and protect their rights under the ordinance.
- RSO Workshops at Logan and Lawn Bowling Center: The Rent Stabilization Division recently hosted two informative workshops on the City’s “Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction” ordinance. The first workshop took place at the Logan Center on October 9th, followed by another at the Lawn Bowling Center on October 23rd. Both sessions provided attendees with valuable information on tenant protections, rent increase limits, and the criteria for just cause evictions. Participants were encouraged to ask questions and engage directly with our knowledgeable staff, leaving empowered with the tools to protect their housing rights.
- October 16th – Tenants’ Rights Workshop by Community Legal Aid SoCal: Community Legal Aid SoCal recently conducted an informative tenants’ rights workshop at the Southwest Senior Center. This session provided valuable guidance on tenant protections, eviction defenses, and legal remedies available under California housing laws. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the eviction process, rental increases, and how to navigate housing disputes effectively. The workshop, held in both English and Spanish, empowered participants with the knowledge and tools needed to protect their housing rights and access free legal resources for further assistance
(Pictured: Left – Pio Pico Elementary School FACE Workshop / Right – Community Legal Aid of SoCal Workshop)
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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:
- 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.)
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.
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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 |
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