Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
πŸ”‘ Rental Property Rules/No-Fault Evictions

Costa Mesa vs Santa Ana

How do no-fault evictions rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Santa Ana, CA?

Costa Mesa has fewer restrictions than Santa Ana.

Costa Mesa, CA

Orange County

Some Restrictions

Under California AB 1482, no-fault evictions in Orange County rental units (owner move-in, withdrawal from market, substantial remodel, government order) require landlords to provide one month's rent in relocation assistance or waive the final month's rent.

View full Costa Mesa rules β†’

Santa Ana, CA

Orange County

Heavy Restrictions

Santa Ana's Just Cause Eviction Ordinance restricts no-fault evictions to a closed list of reasons including owner move-in, substantial remodel, Ellis Act withdrawal, or government compliance order, each with strict noticing and relocation prerequisites.

View full Santa Ana rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactCosta MesaSanta Ana
StatuteCivil Code 1946.2-
Relocation amountOne month's rent-
Alt optionWaive final month-
GroundsMove-in, remodel, withdrawFour enumerated reasons only
Owner move-in-Self or close relative
Notice-Typically 60 days minimum
Pretext-Presumed retaliatory in window

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Costa Mesa FAQ

What counts as a no-fault eviction?

Owner or qualifying-relative move-in, substantial remodel requiring vacancy, withdrawal of the unit from the rental market, or compliance with a government order to vacate.

How much relocation assistance is owed?

One month's current rent paid before termination, or a written waiver of the final month's rent. OC does not require enhanced amounts beyond the state minimum.

Santa Ana FAQ

Can a landlord evict to flip the unit?

Not directly. Flipping is not a permitted no-fault ground. Landlords may invoke substantial remodel only if pulled permits and tenant displacement requirements are genuinely met under the ordinance.

Are owner move-in evictions audited?

Yes. The owner or named relative must occupy the unit as a primary residence for a minimum period. Failure to do so converts the eviction into a wrongful displacement subject to damages.

Want to add a third city?

Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.

Open Comparison Tool