The amended Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance became effective on November 18, 2022.
SANTA ANA, Calif. – The amended Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance expands the administration and enforcement of renter protections for Santa Ana residents by establishing a rental housing board and a rental registry program. The amended Ordinance also includes additional petitions for tenants and landlords, voluntary mediation services, and other enhancements.
The Santa Ana City Council voted to amend the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction ordinances that were adopted in 2021 and combine them under a single Ordinance that took effect on November 18, 2022.
The City has prepared user-friendly information on the Ordinance for both tenants and landlords on the City’s webpage, including a detailed summary of changes to the Ordinance and answers to Frequently Asked Questions in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Over the next several months, staff will be providing updates to tenants and landlords on the implementation of the amended Ordinance. We highly recommend signing up to receive the latest updates.
Under the amended Ordinance beginning July 1, 2023:
- A rental housing board will be created to promulgate and implement policies and procedures for the administration and enforcement of the Ordinance.
- A rental registry will be launched where landlords will be required to register their rental units with the City on an annual basis and pay a rental registry fee.
- A Capital Improvement Petition and Tenant Petition will be available to provide additional opportunities to review and adjust rent levels for landlords and tenants.
- A voluntary mediation process will be offered wherein the landlord and tenant(s) who have a disagreement can develop options, consider alternatives, and reach a consensual agreement. This service will be available on October 1, 2023.
Property owners are required to provide written notice of the Ordinance and the rights of tenants at commencement of a lease or as part of any notice to increase rent. This required notice is available on the City’s webpage in multiple languages.
If tenants or rental property owners have any questions, please e-mail rso@santa-ana.org or call (714) 667-2209 to speak with a representative.