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πŸ”‘ Rental Property Rules/Rent Control

Rent Control: Costa Mesa vs Santa Ana

How do rent control 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

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.

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Santa Ana, CA

Orange County

Heavy Restrictions

Santa Ana enacted a Rent Stabilization Ordinance limiting annual rent increases for qualifying residential units. In addition, California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) caps annual rent increases at 5% plus local CPI or 10%, whichever is less, for units not covered by stronger local protections. Santa Ana's local ordinance may provide stricter limits than the state baseline for covered units.

View full Santa Ana rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactCosta MesaSanta Ana
Local Rent ControlNone-
State LawAB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act)CA Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482)
Annual Cap5% + CPI or 10% max-
Rent BoardNone-
Building Age Threshold15+ years old-
Local Ordinance-Santa Ana Rent Stabilization Ordinance
State Cap-5% + CPI or 10%, whichever is less
Exemptions-Units built within last 15 years, single-family homes (with conditions)
Enforcement-City rent stabilization program

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Costa Mesa FAQ

Does Costa Mesa have rent control?

Costa Mesa does not have a local rent control ordinance. However, California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) caps annual rent increases at 5% plus local CPI or 10%, whichever is lower, for most rental properties at least 15 years old.

Is my Costa Mesa rental covered by AB 1482 rent caps?

Most residential rentals at least 15 years old are covered. Exemptions include certain single-family homes and condos with proper notice, owner-occupied duplexes, newly constructed housing, and deed-restricted affordable units.

What notice is required for rent increases in Costa Mesa?

Landlords must provide at least 30 days written notice for rent increases of 10% or less, and 90 days notice for increases greater than 10%, as required by California Civil Code.

Santa Ana FAQ

Does Santa Ana have rent control?

Yes. Santa Ana has a local Rent Stabilization Ordinance that limits annual rent increases for qualifying residential units. California's AB 1482 also provides a statewide cap of 5% plus CPI or 10%, whichever is less.

What units are exempt from rent control in Santa Ana?

Generally, units built within the last 15 years, certain single-family homes, and owner-occupied duplexes may be exempt. Specific exemptions depend on the local ordinance and state law provisions.

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