Santa Ana Rental Laws & Rent Control (2026)
City flag · Santa Ana
Santa Ana is in Orange County, California. It adds local protections on top of statewide law: Just-cause protection start, Local rent increase cap, Annual rental registration fee, Relocation (months of rent). Confirm each rule's current scope with the city before acting.
Santa Ana local rules (4)
These sit on top of the statewide rules below. Each one links to the official Santa Ana source we track it from. Scope can depend on the building’s age, unit count and tenancy — verify against the source before acting.
Just-cause protection start
Effective November 2021From day 30 of the tenancy
Just cause after 30 days of occupancy (vs 12 months under AB 1482). Construction <15 yrs old exempt.
Official Santa Ana sourceLocal rent increase cap
Effective September 2026Tracked rate: 2.87% — confirm coverage and tiers below
Allowable increase 9/1/2026–8/31/2027. Prior period (9/1/2025–8/31/2026): 2.42%. Verified 2026-08-30.
Official Santa Ana sourceAnnual rental registration fee
Effective August 2026$104 per unit
$100 through 7/31/2026; $104 from 8/1/2026; late penalties begin 10/1/2026. Verified 2026-08-30.
Official Santa Ana sourceRelocation (months of rent)
Effective November 20213 months of rent
No-fault: 3 months rent OR waive final 3 months. No separate senior/disabled tier.
Official Santa Ana source
Statewide laws that apply in Santa Ana
- California Security Deposit Law (2026)
California security deposit limits, the 21-day return deadline, allowed deductions, photos, and bad-faith penalties under Civil Code §1950.5.
- California Rent Increase Laws & AB 1482 Rent Cap (2026)
California AB 1482 rent caps, increase frequency, exemptions, and 30- or 90-day notice rules under Civil Code §§1947.12 and 827.
- California Just Cause Eviction Rules (AB 1482, §1946.2)
California AB 1482 just-cause eviction rules, at-fault and no-fault grounds, relocation assistance, and notice requirements.
- California Habitability & Repair Duties (§1941.1, SB 721)
California habitability and repair duties under Civil Code §1941.1, plus SB 721 balcony inspection rules for multifamily buildings.
- California Security Deposit Photo Rules (AB 2801, 2026)
California AB 2801 move-in and move-out photo requirements, deposit deductions, and professional-cleaning limits under §1950.5.
- California Working Stove & Refrigerator Law (AB 628, 2026)
California AB 628 stove and refrigerator habitability requirements for leases entered, amended, or extended from January 1, 2026.
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Frequently asked questions
- Does Santa Ana have rent control?
- Santa Ana has its own local rent ordinance in addition to California's statewide AB 1482 cap. Local rules can be stricter, so confirm your unit's specific limit before raising rent.
- What security-deposit limit applies in Santa Ana?
- California's statewide limit applies: one month's rent as of July 1, 2024 (AB 12), with a narrow small-landlord two-month exception. The deposit must be returned within 21 days.
This page is general information about California law, not legal advice, and may not reflect the latest changes or your city’s local ordinances. Verify against the current statute or consult a California attorney before acting. Last reviewed: June 26, 2026.