The Santa Ana City Council has adopted a new ordinance to strengthen renter protections by limiting the use of certain rent-setting software for residential properties. Approved on March 3, 2026, this action responds to concerns that some tools use nonpublic market data—such as real-time rents, lease activity, and occupancy levels—to influence pricing in ways that may drive rents higher.
The ordinance applies specifically to residential rental housing in Santa Ana and does not restrict tools that rely on publicly available data, historical trends, or those used for affordable housing compliance.
Key Provisions of the Ordinance:
- Bans Price-Fixing Software: Prohibits the use of certain algorithmic rent-setting tools in the local rental market.
- Empowers Tenants: Allows tenants to take civil action if these software violations occur.
- Easier to Prove: Lowers the burden of proof—tenants only need to show the prohibited software was used, rather than proving landlords actively colluded.
- Meaningful Penalties: Impacted tenants may seek damages, injunctive relief, up to $1,000 per violation, and attorney’s fees.
This ordinance is intended to promote fair and transparent rental practices while complementing broader state-level protections.
Mobilehome Residents: Know Your Rights and Resources
The Rent Stabilization Division recognizes that mobilehome residents may be covered by additional state laws beyond the City’s Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance. For residents living in mobilehome parks, the State of California provides important protections through the Mobilehome Residency Law (MRL), which addresses topics such as rental agreements, park rules, and eviction requirements…