A new Beacon Economics study released September 24, 2026 concludes that Santa Ana’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) has not improved affordability and is associated with faster rent growth in regulated units.
The analysis, commissioned by the Pacific West Association of REALTORS®, compared older rent‑controlled buildings with newer exempt multifamily properties and found that rents in regulated units increased 1.6 percentage points faster for one‑bedrooms and 2.6 percentage points faster for two‑bedrooms from 2022 to 2025.
Beacon also found no measurable affordability gains for renters in regulated units, with improvements driven primarily by rising household incomes rather than rent caps. The findings mirror national research showing that rent control often reduces housing supply, increases administrative costs, and accelerates rent growth in exempt units.
Who Voted for Santa Ana’s Rent Control Ordinance
Santa Ana adopted its rent‑control ordinance in 2021. The councilmembers who voted in favor were:
- Jessie Lopez
- Benjamin Vazquez
- Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
- Van Thai Tran
These members formed the progressive bloc that championed strict rent caps, just‑cause eviction rules, and inflation‑based limits.
Which Rent‑Control Supporters Are on the 2026 Ballot
Based on the City of Santa Ana’s official 2026 election page, the following rent‑control supporters are running for reelection:
- Jessie Lopez – She is running against David Penaloza for the State Assembly
- Benjamin Vazquez – He is running for reelection
Councilmember Jessie Lopez, a supporter of Santa Ana’s rent‑control ordinance, previously faced an unlawful detainer lawsuit filed by her landlord alleging non‑payment of rent. The case, reported by local media at the time, highlighted Lopez’s own financial challenges as she advocated for tenant protections citywide. Lopez disputed aspects of the landlord’s claims, and the matter proceeded through the standard court process…