This database, meticulously designed to meticulously track the city’s housing inventory and monitor adherence to rent control laws, was established following last year’s adoption of the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance by the City Council.
In a significant move aimed at promoting housing stability, Santa Ana has initiated a robust rent control program mandating landlords to enlist their rental units into a novel database.
This groundbreaking ordinance, which came into effect in November, implements a range of pivotal measures. These rent control program measures include capping annual rent hikes at either 3% or 80% of inflation, whichever is lower, and imposing restrictions on circumstances under which landlord can displace tenants. Starting September 1, designated rental units will only be permitted an increase of 2.54% for the forthcoming year a rate annually determined by the City Council.
Integral to the rent control program is the establishment of a Rental Housing Board, entrusted with overseeing the stringent implementation of the city’s rent control law. This board will serve as a platform for both tenants and landlords to resolve disputes outside of court. While the board’s website and online application are anticipated to go live by month-end, the board’s formation hinges on City Council member appointments, with the possibility of being finalized by November.
The core of the initiative is the recently launched registry, which mandates landlords to annually register their rent control program units, accompanied by a fee of $100 per unit
This cost can be shared between landlords and tenants. The accrued registration fees will be channeled towards funding the city’s comprehensive rent control program, including the operations of the Rental Housing Board. Officials emphasize that the registry will bolster compliance with the new ordinance.
Landlords are empowered to submit a “fair return” petition if they find the rent cap inadequate for achieving a reasonable return on investment. Similarly, tenants have the provision to file a petition to lower their rent if certain once-offered amenities are revoked. Councilmember Than Viet Phan highlights the pivotal role of these measures in leveling the playing field, particularly due to the rising challenges of rent increases and evictions faced by a significant 55% of Santa Ana residents who are renters.
Phan underscores the potential of these measures in mitigating homelessness, attributing homelessness to the traumatic experience of eviction and the formidable financial hurdles of securing a new dwelling. In a bid to ensure the continuity and durability of these protective measures, Phan is advocating an amendment to the city’s ordinance, requiring a supermajority approval for future alterations in rent control program and eviction regulations.
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