Rental Registration: Anaheim vs Costa Mesa
How do rental registration rules compare between Anaheim, CA and Costa Mesa, CA?
Anaheim and Costa Mesa have similar restriction levels.
Anaheim, CA
Orange County
Anaheim does not require a standalone rental property registration program. Landlords must obtain a business license. Short-term rentals have a separate registration under AMC Chapter 4.05. AB 1482 notice requirements apply.
View full Anaheim rules →Costa Mesa, CA
Orange County
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.
View full Costa Mesa rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Anaheim | Costa Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | Not required | - |
| Business License | Required for rentals | - |
| STR Cap | 277 existing permits | - |
| AB 1482 Notice | Required | - |
| 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 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Anaheim FAQ
Do I need to register my rental property in Anaheim?
No standalone registration is required, but you must have a city business license. Short-term rentals need separate registration under AMC 4.05.
What notice must I give tenants under AB 1482?
Written notice specifying whether the property is exempt from AB 1482 rent caps and just cause protections, with specific language required by state law.
Costa Mesa FAQ
Do I need to register my Costa Mesa rental property with the city?
No. Costa Mesa does not have a rental property registration requirement. A rental registry proposal was considered by the City Council in March 2026 but was rejected. Landlords must still comply with all state and local landlord-tenant laws.
Does Costa Mesa inspect rental properties?
The city does not conduct proactive rental inspections. The Community Improvement Division responds to specific complaints and code enforcement referrals on a complaint-driven basis. Contact (714) 754-5638 to report a concern.
What obligations do Costa Mesa landlords have without a rental registry?
Landlords must comply with Costa Mesa's Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), state housing codes, and the city's Title 20 Property Maintenance standards.
Compare other topics
See how Anaheim and Costa Mesa compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool