Rental Property Rules in Costa Mesa, CA (2026)
3 verified rental property rules for Costa Mesa, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Costa Mesa Rent Control and Rent Cap Rules
Some RestrictionsJust 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.
Costa Mesa Just Cause Eviction Protections
Heavy RestrictionsRental 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.
Costa Mesa Rental Property Registration Status
Few RestrictionsLooking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Costa Mesa city rules.
Rental Property Rules in Orange County →