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πŸ”‘ Rental Property Rules/Rent Control

Fullerton vs Santa Ana

How do rent control rules compare between Fullerton, CA and Santa Ana, CA?

Fullerton has fewer restrictions than Santa Ana.

Fullerton, CA

Orange County

Some Restrictions

Unincorporated Orange County has no local rent control ordinance. Tenants are protected by California's statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), which caps annual rent increases at 5% plus local CPI or 10%, whichever is lower. AB 1482 applies to most residential rental units built more than 15 years ago.

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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

FactFullertonSanta Ana
Local Rent ControlNone-
State LawAB 1482 (Civil Code Β§1947.12)CA Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482)
Rent Cap5% + CPI or 10%, whichever is lower-
ExemptionsUnits <15 years old, owner-occupied SFRsUnits built within last 15 years, single-family homes (with conditions)
ExpiresJanuary 1, 2030 (unless extended)-
Local Ordinance-Santa Ana Rent Stabilization Ordinance
State Cap-5% + CPI or 10%, whichever is less
Enforcement-City rent stabilization program

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Fullerton FAQ

Is there rent control in unincorporated Orange County?

There is no local rent control ordinance. State law AB 1482 (the Tenant Protection Act) limits annual rent increases to 5% plus local CPI or 10%, whichever is lower, for qualifying units at least 15 years old.

What units are exempt from AB 1482 rent caps in Orange County?

Single-family homes owned by natural persons (not corporations) with proper notice to tenants, units built within the last 15 years, and certain other categories are exempt. Most apartments and older rental properties are covered.

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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