Rent control rules in Costa Mesa, CA — also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances — limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
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 does not have its own local rent control ordinance and does not operate a rent board. However, most rental properties in the city are covered by California's Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482), which establishes statewide rent caps. Under AB 1482, landlords may not increase rent more than 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI) change, or 10% total, whichever is lower, within a 12-month period. This applies to most residential properties that are at least 15 years old. Exempt properties include single-family homes and condos (when certain conditions are met and proper notice is given), housing built within the last 15 years, owner-occupied duplexes, and certain deed-restricted affordable housing. Landlords must provide at least 30 days written notice for rent increases of 10% or less, and 90 days notice for increases above 10%. AB 1482 has been extended and modified by subsequent legislation. Costa Mesa has considered but rejected proposals for a rental registry program, so there is no city-level tracking system for rental units or rent increases.
Rent increases exceeding AB 1482 caps are void and unenforceable. Tenants may recover excess rent paid plus reasonable attorney fees. Complaints can be filed with the California Department of Consumer Affairs or through civil court.
Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa Municipal Code Title 13 establishes noise standards that vary by zoning district. Industrial and commercial noise crossing into residential zones ...
Costa Mesa, CA
Outdoor music at residences, parks, and events in Costa Mesa must comply with CMMC Title 13 noise standards. Amplified outdoor music requires compliance with...
Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa regulates amplified music under CMMC Chapter XIII noise control. Music and sound-producing devices must comply with exterior noise standards at th...
Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa defines abandoned vehicles as those left on public streets for more than 72 hours without being moved or those that are inoperable. The city proac...
Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa prohibits commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds GVW from parking on restricted streets between 2 AM and 6 AM, or for more than 3 hours on any pub...
Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa requires vehicles to park on improved surfaces under its development and property maintenance standards. Driveway design must meet zoning requirem...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle rent control.
See how Costa Mesa's rent control rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.