Costa Mesa's Rental Property Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles rental property rules a little differently. In Costa Mesa, California, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Just Cause Eviction

Costa Mesa adopted its own Just Cause Residential Tenant Protections Urgency Ordinance on November 7, 2023, which prohibits landlords from terminating tenancies without a valid just cause reason. No-fault evictions require 60 days notice and relocation assistance equal to one month of HUD Fair Market Rent.

Key details: Ordinance Adopted: November 7, 2023. No-Fault Notice: 60 days required. Relocation Assistance: 1 month HUD Fair Market Rent. At-Fault Examples: Nonpayment, lease violations, nuisance. Tenant Protections: costamesaca.gov/trending/tenant-protections.

Evictions without proper just cause or without required relocation assistance may be challenged in court. Tenants may recover damages, attorney fees, and potentially be restored to their unit. Contact the Costa Mesa Community Improvement Division or a tenant rights attorney.

Compared to other cities, Costa Mesa takes a harder line on just cause eviction. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Rent Control

Costa Mesa does not have a local rent control ordinance but is subject to California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), which caps annual rent increases at 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 10%, whichever is lower, for qualifying rental properties. The city does not operate a rent board.

Key details: Local Rent Control: None. State Law: AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act). Annual Cap: 5% + CPI or 10% max. Rent Board: None. Building Age Threshold: 15+ years old.

Rent increases exceeding AB 1482 caps are void and unenforceable. Tenants may recover excess rent paid plus reasonable attorney fees. Complaints can be filed with the California Department of Consumer Affairs or through civil court.

Rental Registration

Costa Mesa does not currently require landlords to register rental properties with the city. A rental registry proposal was considered by the City Council in 2026 but was rejected by a 5-2 vote. Landlords must still comply with state and local landlord-tenant laws without any city registration requirement.

Key details: Registration Required: No. Registry Proposal: Rejected 5-2 (March 2026). Inspections: Complaint-driven only. State Law Compliance: AB 1482, just cause required. Code Enforcement: (714) 754-5638.

While there is no registration requirement to violate, landlords who fail to maintain rental properties to Title 20 standards are subject to code enforcement action, administrative citations, and the strict liability provisions of the property maintenance code. Contact Code Enforcement at (714) 754-5638.

Costa Mesa is more permissive than most cities when it comes to rental registration. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Costa Mesa's rental property rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Costa Mesa is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Costa Mesa can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.