Rent Stabilization Newsletter – April 2025

News and Updates

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Rent Stabilization Program Updates

Get Ready for the Next Registration Cycle of the Rental Registry!

The City of Santa Ana's Rental Registry is gearing up for its third program year, starting July 1, 2025. All landlords with rental units in the City are required to complete their annual registration during this period to ensure compliance with the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance.

Key Dates:

• Registration Period: June 2, 2025 - July 1, 2025

• Deadline to Submit: July 1, 2025

• Billing Period: July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026

Steps to Complete Your Registration:

• Update Property Profiles: Log in to your account and access your Property Profiles and update owner and property manager contact information. Report any changes such as rent increases, new tenants, or evictions in your Unit Inventory.

• Claim Applicable Exemptions: If your property or unit(s) qualify for an exemption, submit your exemption request with supporting documents by the deadline for review.

• Submit Registration or Exemption: Once all updates to the Property Profile have been made, utilize the "Action" button to formally submit Rental Registration/Apply for Property Exemption.

• Pay the Rental Registry Fee: Payments should be made online by signing into your account on the Rental Registry portal. An invoice will be generated automatically upon submitting your registration. For balances exceeding $5,000.00, payment must be made by check. Please ensure check payments are written exclusively for the Rental Registry Fee and separate checks are provided for each property/invoice. Additionally, please do not combine payments for other City fees, such as Business License or the Proactive Rental Enforcement Program (PREP) with the Rental Registry Fee.

Important Reminders for Landlords:

• Registration Is Not Considered Complete if There Are Unpaid Balances: Any unpaid fees from previous registration cycles must be resolved before registration is deemed complete.

• Pass-Through Fee Option: Landlords who pay the registration fee by the deadline may pass through up to 50% of the fee to tenants in twelve equal installments. This option is not available for tenants in subsidized housing.

Stay ahead of the deadline to keep your rental units in good standing! For more information or assistance, visit the Rental Registry portal or contact our team directly.

Rental Registry (RR)

Contact Us

RR User Guide

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Keeping Your Rental Registry Up to Date: A Quick Guide for Property Owners and Landlords To ensure compliance with the City of Santa Ana's Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, it is crucial to keep your property profiles updated in the Rental Registry. Here's how you can manage and report updates effectively: Uploading Notices: Upload legally required notices in the Documents section of your property profile within five days of providing them to tenant(s). Follow these steps and refer to the images below for guidance.

Step 1) In the Documents section, click '+ Add Document'.

Figure 1: Documents section of property profile.

Step 2) Select the appropriate document type you wish to upload. If none of the available options match your document, select 'Other' and provide a brief description in the Notes section. Note: If you're uploading a notice for a specific unit, be sure to add the unit number/letter in the Notes box.

Figure 2: "Add Document" window that appears after clicking 'Add Document'.

Once you have selected the appropriate document type and file, click 'Save', and the document will be added to the Documents section of the property profile.

Updating the Unit Inventory: Use the Action column in the Unit Inventory section to report rent increases, new occupancies, or just cause evictions. Follow these steps and refer to the images below for guidance. Step 1) Select the type of report you want to submit to update the unit information. A window will appear for you to enter the new information and apply the changes.

Figure 3: Unit Inventory section, where you report updates on specific units.

Step 2) Follow the instructions at the top of the window and complete all of the required fields with the red asterisk (*) before clicking 'Submit'.

Figure 4: Report window that appears after clicking 'Report' in the drop-down menu. Example: 'Report Rent Increase' window.

Once submitted, your updates will be reflected in the Unit Inventory, pending staff review. Your submission will also be tracked in the Cases section, as shown below.

Figure 5: Cases section that will track all reports submitted within the property profile.

Maintaining accurate information helps protect both property owners and tenants while ensuring compliance with local ordinances. For step-by-step guidance, refer to the Rental Registry User Guide or contact the Rent Stabilization Program at (714) 667-2209 or rso@santa-ana.org. Contact Us

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Eviction Prevention Program: Supporting Santa Ana Residents in Need

The City of Santa Ana is committed to addressing the ongoing financial challenges faced by its residents due to rising housing costs, rent burdens, and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. To help low-income households facing eviction, the City has launched the Eviction Prevention Program (EPP).

Program Update

Due to a high volume of applications, no new applications will be accepted after May 15, 2025. The program is currently reviewing submissions already received. If funding remains available after processing these applications, additional applications may be accepted at a later date. Please stay tuned for updates.

What You Need to Know

Applications already submitted are being reviewed by Families Forward, a trusted local nonprofit. Approved applicants will receive one-time payments made directly to their landlords to cover rental arrears.

For future updates and details, visit the Eviction Prevention website!

EPP Webpage

Contact Us

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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 (RSJCEO). Our staff will be attending local events to assist tenants and landlords in understanding the ordinance and how it impacts housing stability.

Rental Registry Workshops - Owners & Property Managers

City of Santa Ana invites property owners and managers to join our Rental Registry Workshops and gain valuable skills to navigate the City's Rental Registry system. These virtual workshops, hosted via Zoom, are designed to provide step-by-step guidance for completing registration.

Virtual Webinars - No Pre-Registration Required

Attend from the comfort of your home-simply click the webinar link on the Community Workshops Webpage at the scheduled time to join the session.

• Tuesday, June 10, 2025 | ⏰ 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

• Wednesday, June 18, 2025 | ⏰ 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

• Thursday, June 26, 2025 | ⏰ 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

For the most up-to-date information, visit our Community Workshops Webpage.

Tenants' Rights Workshops - Community Legal Aid SoCal hosted by SAUSD

Struggling with housing issues? Have legal questions about your rights? Join us for our Tenants' Rights Workshop! Presented by Community Legal Aid SoCal, this workshop is designed to provide tenants with legal answers and practical support to help maintain housing stability and security. Don't miss this valuable opportunity to learn about your rights and get the support you need.

McFadden Institute of Technology - MPR

- Wednesday, May 14, 2025

- 2701 S. Raitt St, Santa Ana, CA 92704

⏰ - 5:00 - 7:00 PM

- Presented in preferred language of attendees (English or Spanish)

Segerstrom High School - Wellness Center

- Tuesday, May 20, 2025

- 2301 W. MacArthur Blvd, Santa Ana, CA 92704

⏰ - 5:00 - 7:00 PM

- Presented in preferred language of attendees (English or Spanish)

RSJCEO Workshops - FACE / SAUSD

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.

Community Workshops Webpage

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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
March 2024 to March 2025

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Community Outreach

• SAUSD FACE Tenant Rights Workshops: The Rent Stabilization Division is excited to continue its collaboration with the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Department through a series of Tenant Rights Workshops in April 2025. These interactive sessions are scheduled to take place at Middle College High School on April 18, Davis Elementary School on April 22, and Santa Ana Virtual Academy on April 29. Families attending these workshops will receive valuable information about the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, including rent increase limits, just cause eviction requirements, and tenant resources available to them. The workshops provide a welcoming space for meaningful discussions, allowing participants to engage, ask questions, and connect with our team to better understand their rights and protections.

• Community Legal Aid SoCal: Tenant Rights Workshops: In collaboration with the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD), Community Legal Aid SoCal hosted a series of Tenant Rights Workshops in March 2025 to empower community members with essential knowledge about housing stability and tenant protections. These workshops were held at Santiago TK-8 Elementary School on March 11 and Willard Elementary School on March 12. Participants had the opportunity to learn about their rights as tenants, including protections under Santa Ana's Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, as well as resources available to assist with housing issues. These interactive sessions encouraged attendees to ask questions, engage with housing experts, and gain valuable insights to help maintain their housing security.
• Public Law Center: Tenant Rights Workshop: On April 9, 2025, the Rent Stabilization Division, in collaboration with the Public Law Center and Latino Health Access, hosted an insightful Tenant Rights Workshop at Latino Health Access in Santa Ana. This bilingual session, presented in both English and Spanish, aimed to educate attendees about their tenant rights and the protections available under Santa Ana's Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance. The workshop emphasized proactive knowledge to prevent housing instability and homelessness. Participants engaged with housing experts, asked questions, and received valuable resources to empower them as tenants.
• Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros: On April 26, 2025, the Rent Stabilization Division participated in the City of Santa Ana's 17th Annual Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros celebration at the Plaza of the Sun. This vibrant, family-friendly event celebrated children, literacy, and cultural heritage, featuring live performances, book giveaways, interactive activities, and a resource fair with various city departments. At our informational booth, community members engaged with staff to learn about the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, including rent increase limits, just cause eviction requirements, and available tenant resources. Attendees were encouraged to ask questions and connect with our team to better understand their rights and protections. The event provided a valuable opportunity to reach a broad audience in a festive setting, reinforcing our commitment to community education and housing stability.

(Pictured: Left -Public Law Center Workshop at Latino Health Access / Right - Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros at the Plaza of the Sun)

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Rental Housing Board - Now Accepting Applications

The Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance ("Ordinance") establishes a Rental Housing Board to administer and enforce renter protections for Santa Ana tenants.

Under Section 8-3180 of the Ordinance, the Rental Housing Board ("Board") is comprised of seven (7) members appointed by the City Council, with each Councilmember selecting one (1) member through an equitable random lottery process. The Board includes:

• Three (3) Tenants, including at least one (1) Mobilehome Tenant;
• Two (2) Landlords with rental property experience; and
• Two (2) At-Large Members with no financial interest in or ownership of income-generating rental housing (e.g., an owner-occupant of a single-family home).

Currently, there are three (3) vacancies on the Board. If you or someone you know is interested in serving your community by contributing to the oversight of renter protections and housing policies, we encourage you to apply.

Applications are available on the City Clerk's Office website. Join us in supporting fair and equitable housing practices in Santa Ana-apply today!

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Know Your Rights

If you believe the owner or property manager of your rental unit or mobile home may not be in compliance with the Ordinance, or if you need assistance interpreting the Ordinance, please reach out to one of the City's community partners:

Fair Housing Council of Orange County www.fairhousingoc.org info@fairhousingoc.org 2021 E. 4th Street, Suite 122 Santa Ana, CA 92705 Phone: 714-569-0823 Option 4	Community Legal Aid SoCal www.communitylegalsocal.org 2101 North Tustin Avenue Santa Ana, CA 92705 Phone: 714-571-5200
Public Law Center www.publiclawcenter.org info@publiclawcenter.org 601 Civic Center Drive West Santa Ana, CA 92701 Phone: 714-541-1010 x 303	Latino Health Access www.latinohealthaccess.org 450 W 4th Street Santa Ana, CA 92701 Phone: 714-542-7792

Seek Mediation Services

Mediation is a voluntary collaborative process wherein the landlord and tenant(s) who have a disagreement can develop options, consider alternatives, and develop a consensual agreement. The role of the Mediator is to facilitate open communication to resolve a dispute in a non-adversarial and confidential manner.

Contact us to access mediation services in collaboration with our community partner Groundswell.

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: Our Website Read the Ordinance Frequently Asked Questions

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