Santa Ana Landlord-Tenant Rules

Rent stabilization: Santa Ana's Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance limits yearly rent increases to the lower of 3% or 80% of the 12-month change in CPI. For September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027 the maximum is 2.87% (it was 2.42% for 2025-26 and 3.00% for 2024-25). Only one increase is allowed in any 12-month period. An increase cannot take effect unless the unit is accurately registered, the property complies with City codes, repairs are done, and the tenant has received the written notice of rights under the ordinance. The cap applies to residential buildings built on or before February 1, 1995 and to mobile home parks established before 1990. It does not apply to units exempt under state law. Landlords may petition for a fair-return or capital-improvement increase. Tenants may petition over an excessive increase, reduced services, habitability problems, or other violations.; Just-cause eviction: After a tenant has lived in a unit for 30 days (compared with 12 months under state law), the owner may end the tenancy only for a just cause stated clearly in writing. At-fault causes: nonpayment; material lease breach; nuisance; refusing to sign a substantially similar lease renewal; criminal activity directed at the owner, household or other tenants; subletting in clear violation of the lease; refusing lawful entry; and failing to move out after giving written notice. Before serving an at-fault notice, the owner must first give written notice of the violation and a clear time to cure. No-fault causes: owner or close-family move-in; withdrawal from the rental market for at least 24 months (with an owner affidavit filed with the City); compliance with a government or court order; and demolition or substantial remodel.; Relocation assistance: For a no-fault just-cause termination, the owner must either pay relocation assistance equal to three months' rent or waive rent for the last three months of the tenancy. State law requires only one month.; Rental registration/inspection: Every landlord with rental units in Santa Ana must register each unit every year through the City's online Rental Registry, or formally claim an exemption. Until an exemption is approved, the unit is treated as covered. For the July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 cycle, registration opened June 1, 2026 and was due July 1, 2026. The fee is $100 per unit through July 31, 2026, rising to $104 on August 1. Late penalties begin October 1, 2026. Landlords who register and pay on time may pass up to 50% of the fee to tenants in 12 equal monthly installments. Tenants should not be charged more than $50 a year per unit.