Santa Ana caps covered rent increases at 2.87%

Santa Ana will limit rent increases for covered residential rental units and mobilehome spaces to 2.87% for the year beginning Sept. 1, 2026. The limit will remain in effect through Aug. 31, 2027, under the city’s Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance.

The percentage is a maximum, not an automatic increase. It determines the largest annual rent adjustment landlords may impose on housing covered by the ordinance. Units exempt from the ordinance are not subject to this cap.

Rules for a valid increase

Landlords may raise rent no more than once during any 12-month period. Before an increase can take effect, the rental unit must be registered with the city, the property must meet applicable maintenance requirements and the tenant must receive written notice.

The city’s Rent Stabilization Program issued the calculation through its June 2026 newsletter. The 2.87% limit is below the ordinance’s 3% statutory ceiling. The new maximum takes effect Sept. 1, 2026, giving tenants in covered housing the applicable annual limit for the coming rent cycle. Santa Ana directs residents seeking help with the rule to its renter-protection program.