Santa Ana uses a city rent stabilization formula and a city calendar. The local figure is not the statewide AB 1482 percentage. Before serving a notice, confirm that the unit is covered, the Rental Registry record is current, the last increase is documented, and the notice uses the current city materials.
Santa Ana 2026–2027 allowable increase
The City of Santa Ana announces a maximum allowable rent increase of 2.87% for covered residential rental units and mobilehome spaces for the period September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027. The city announcement explains that the local formula is the lesser of 3% or 80% of the CPI change. See the City of Santa Ana 2026–2027 announcement.
| Jurisdiction and coverage | Maximum listed increase | Effective period | Control before notice |
|---|
| Covered Santa Ana residential unit or mobilehome space | 2.87% | September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027 | One increase within any 12-month period and current city requirements. |
|---|
Confirm coverage and the Rental Registry
The city program does not apply to every rental arrangement in the same way. Confirm the unit or space is covered and review the current city exemptions, registry status, fees, and notice materials. The 2026–2027 city update directs owners and managers to complete annual Rental Registry registration and resolve required tasks.
- Confirm the property address and unit or space type.
- Confirm the local ordinance coverage and any applicable exemption.
- Confirm annual Rental Registry registration and fee status.
- Confirm required maintenance, repair, or compliance records are current.
- Use the current city notice and language materials for the tenancy.
Do not import the AB 1482 formula into a Santa Ana file
California Civil Code section 1947.12 uses a statewide formula and a lowest-gross-rent rule for covered units. Santa Ana has a local formula and local controls. If the ordinance applies, use the city method and current city materials. If the unit is exempt from the city rule, separately test whether AB 1482 or another rule applies. The California 2026–2027 cap guide provides the statewide comparison.
Notice and service timing
Use the state timing and service sequence in the California notice and service guide. Civil Code section 827 generally requires at least 30 days for an increase at or below the 10% threshold and at least 90 days when the proposed increase is above it. Santa Ana may require local disclosures, forms, language, registration, or other steps. Save the current city notice, proof of service, and registry evidence in one file.
Ledger controls and the one-in-12-month rule
- Record the last effective increase date and current lawful rent.
- Confirm that no earlier increase falls inside the 12-month restriction.
- Use the 2.87% figure only for the stated 2026–2027 period and only after coverage is confirmed.
- Keep rent, credits, concessions, utilities, and other charges identifiable in the ledger.
- Post the recurring charge on the lawful effective date, not when the notice is drafted.
- Assign a second reviewer to compare the city notice, service proof, and first affected ledger entry.
Frequently asked questions
Is 2.87% the statewide California cap?
No. It is the Santa Ana maximum for covered units and spaces during the September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027 period. Other cities and counties use different rules.
Can a Santa Ana owner make two increases in a year?
The city announcement states that owners subject to the ordinance may implement only one rent increase within a 12-month period. Use the last effective date as a control.
Does completing the Rental Registry replace the rent-increase notice?
No. Registration and notice are separate controls. Complete the registry requirements and serve the current written notice required for the tenancy.
Related Coastline resources
Review the Santa Ana notice before service
Request Coastline Equity's Rent Increase Pre-Notice Review before the notice is served.
This educational guide is not legal advice. Confirm the current official statute, agency instructions, and local requirements for the property before serving a rent-increase notice.
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