Santa Ana’s Rent Stabilization Update: A New Era for Tenants and Landlords
In a significant move aimed at protecting renters, the City of Santa Ana has rolled out its Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance. This local law, which has been in effect since January 2024, seeks to curb rent increases beyond permissible limits for designated residential units and mobile homes, while also providing robust ‘just cause’ eviction protections.
The ordinance introduces a Rental Registry, a critical tool designed to track rent-stabilized units and ensure compliance with the new regulations. This registry is supported by a Rental Registry Fee, set at $100 per unit for the fiscal year 2023-24. This fee covers the operational costs of implementing and enforcing the ordinance, as detailed in the Santa Ana Miscellaneous Fees Schedule.
Pass-Through Fees: What Tenants Need to Know
Landlords are permitted to pass through up to 50% of the Rental Registry Fee to tenants, distributed over 12 monthly installments. This pass-through, however, is not considered part of the rent when calculating any rent increase. For the fiscal year 2023-24, this fee amounts to a maximum of $4.16 per month. Importantly, landlords must ensure timely payment of the fee by February 29, 2024, to qualify for passing it through to tenants.
For more detailed information on the ordinance, tenants and landlords can refer to the original newsletter.
Introducing the Rental Housing Board
To oversee the ordinance’s enforcement, Santa Ana has established a Rental Housing Board, comprising seven members. This board includes three tenants (with at least one mobilehome tenant), two landlords, and two at-large members with no financial interest in rental housing. Applications for board membership are currently open and can be accessed via the City Clerk’s Office website.
Support and Resources for Tenants
The city provides several resources for tenants facing challenges related to rent stabilization and eviction protections. Organizations such as the Fair Housing Council of Orange County, Public Law Center, and Community Legal Aid SoCal offer guidance and support. Tenants can also reach out to Latino Health Access for additional assistance.
For further inquiries, tenants and landlords can contact the Rent Stabilization Helpline at (714) 667-2209 or email [email protected].
Stay Informed
To stay updated on the latest developments regarding the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, residents are encouraged to visit the city’s official website and review the full ordinance.
More Articles
Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!
Florida’s home insurance market is experiencing a wave of optimism as recent litigation reforms lead to fewer lawsuits, stronger insurer stability, and even rate reductions. With companies like Florida Peninsula lowering premiums and 17 new insurers entering the state, real estate, mortgage, and insurance professionals can expect smoother transactions, increased buyer confidence, and a more competitive market environment in the year ahead.
Mortgage rates have dipped to levels not seen since 2022, with the 30‑year fixed averaging just 6.361% and Freddie Mac reporting an even lower 6.06%. The drop is reshaping buyer affordability, sparking renewed market activity, and creating fresh opportunities for real estate professionals—especially in fast‑moving markets like Florida.
The 2026 housing market is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal in years, with mortgage rates showing slight relief, affordability shifting toward the Midwest and South, and buyers turning to options like ARMs and new‑construction homes. Early signals point to new opportunities for buyers, investors, and real‑estate professionals—especially those ready to navigate a market defined by moderate rate drops, regional affordability gaps, and builder‑driven incentives.
Ares Commercial Real Estate CEO Bryan Donohoe sold US$107k in shares this week, trimming his stake by 13% and adding to a pattern of insider selling with no insider purchases in the past 12 months. With insider ownership sitting at a modest 1.6%, the activity signals a cautious tone inside the company—something real estate, mortgage, and finance professionals may want to watch as they assess broader market confidence.
Florida’s 2026 legislative session is officially underway, launching a wave of high‑impact bills targeting property insurance reform, a proposal to eliminate property taxes, new education attendance requirements, and even an AI Bill of Rights. With over a hundred bills already filed, real estate agents, investors, insurers, educators, and other licensed professionals can expect significant regulatory shifts that may reshape Florida’s housing market, insurance costs, and professional compliance standards.
Warren Buffett’s timeless investing wisdom is more relevant than ever in 2026. Despite decades of market change, his core lesson remains the same: long‑term conviction outperforms short‑term prediction. From embracing occasional underperformance to avoiding emotional decisions, Buffett’s philosophy highlights why deep understanding and steady confidence are more valuable than trying to forecast market swings. This mindset isn’t just for investors—it’s a guiding principle for professionals looking to grow their careers with clarity and purpose.
