Santa Ana Hikes Rent Registry Late Fee

The Rent Stabilization Division in Santa Ana raised the late fee rate for unregistered rental units from 8.2% to 18.2% effective November 1, 2026. This change applies to property owners who failed to complete annual registration for the 2026-2027 program year under the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance. Units that remained unregistered on October 1 began accruing these penalties immediately.

The city requires all covered property owners to register through the Rental Registry portal to avoid further fee escalations. The division published a user guide to assist owners with the registration process, which involves reviewing unit information and paying applicable fees. Owners with outstanding registrations must complete the process to prevent additional financial obligations.

For the period beginning September 1, 2026, and ending August 31, 2027, the maximum allowable rent increase is 2.87%. This figure is determined by an annual adjustment formula within the ordinance, which caps increases at the lesser of 3% or 80% of the change in the Consumer Price Index. Property owners are limited to one rent increase per 12-month period and must satisfy all registration and notice requirements before implementing the change.

The city also continues the Ayuda Sin Fronteras Program, which was established in July 2025. This program provides a one-time payment of up to one month of housing assistance for residents affected by detention, deportation, or other immigration-related disruptions. Eligible residents must receive a referral from a trusted community partner to apply. The program covers past-due rent or utilities, and citizenship status is not required for eligibility. Residents can contact the helpline at (714) 565-2655 for assistance.

Two vacancies currently exist on the Rental Housing Board, which is responsible for administering and enforcing renter protections. The ordinance stipulates that the board consists of seven members appointed by the City Council, with each councilmember selecting one member. Applications for these positions are available through the City Clerk’s Office website. The board plays a central role in overseeing the implementation of the ordinance across the city.

The division hosted a series of educational events in late October 2026 to inform residents and property managers about their rights and responsibilities. On October 22, staff participated in the Santa Ana Police Department’s Trunk or Treat event at Civic Center Plaza, distributing multilingual flyers to hundreds of community members. On October 27, the division held bilingual tenant rights workshops at Círculos High School and via Zoom, covering eviction protections and rent caps. A dedicated workshop series for property owners and managers began in late October and continues through November, focusing on compliance timelines and registry procedures.

Public inquiries to the city regarding the ordinance and general landlord-tenant issues have been tracked from September 2025 through September 2026. Common topics of concern include evictions, allowable rent increases, and the Rental Registry system. The division advises residents to contact community partners if they believe a property owner is not in compliance with the ordinance. The city notes that it does not endorse specific law firms, leaving tenants to choose their own representation when necessary.