Santa Ana Rental Fines Jump to 18.2 Percent on Nov. 1

Property owners in Santa Ana will face a steeper financial penalty for unregistered rental units starting November 1. The late fee rate for the Rental Registry increases from 8.2 percent to 18.2 percent per unit. This change applies to all units that have not completed their annual registration for the 2026-2027 program year.

The Rent Stabilization Division states that late penalties began accruing on October 1 for units that missed the registration deadline. The city urges owners with outstanding registrations to act immediately to avoid further fee escalations. Registration is required under the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance.

The division has published a user guide to help owners navigate the updated system. Property managers can log in to the Rental Registry portal to review unit information and pay applicable fees. Contact information for assistance is available on the division's website.

The city has also set the maximum allowable rent increase for the upcoming year. For the period from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027, rent increases are capped at 2.87 percent. This figure is determined by an annual adjustment formula within the ordinance. The limit is the lesser of 3 percent or 80 percent of the change in the Consumer Price Index.

Property owners may implement only one rent increase within a 12-month period. They must comply with all ordinance requirements, including registration and notice rules, before a new rent takes effect. Notices of the allowable increase are available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

The city launched the Ayuda Sin Fronteras Program in July 2025. This program provides a one-time payment of up to one month of housing assistance to residents affected by detention, deportation, or other immigration-related disruptions. Funds are still available for past-due rent or utilities. Residents must be referred by a trusted community partner to apply.

Citizenship status is not required for the housing assistance program. Identification is needed for all household members. Interested residents can visit the Ayuda Sin Fronteras website or call the helpline at (714) 565-2655 for eligibility checks and referrals.

The Rental Housing Board currently has two vacancies. The board consists of seven members appointed by the City Council. Each council member selects one member for approval by the full council. Applications are available on the City Clerk’s Office website.

The division is hosting a series of virtual workshops for property owners and managers in November. Sessions are scheduled for November 5 at 10:00 AM, November 10 at 6:30 PM, and November 12 at 6:30 PM. All three events will be held via Zoom in English.

Two tenant rights workshops are scheduled for Tuesday, November 17. The first session is in Spanish at 8:30 AM at Willard Intermediate School. The second session is in English at 5:00 PM via Zoom. Staff will cover ordinance rights, rent caps, and eviction protections during these events.