In Orange County the statewide rent cap is 8.7% for increases starting Aug. 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027. The Attorney General’s chart lists one local rent-increase cap in Orange County: Santa Ana. We show 1 active order in our data as of Nov 13, 2026 (Tropical Storm Rachel, through Nov 14, 2026, unless extended). Always check your city’s rules too: check your local rent rules and ordinance before you raise rent or serve a notice.
| Statewide cap (AB 1482) | 8.7% for increases starting 8/1/26–7/31/27 (Los Angeles area; see the AG chart) |
|---|---|
| Local rent caps listed by the AG | Santa Ana |
| Emergency rent-cap orders | 1 active order in our data as of Nov 13, 2026 (Tropical Storm Rachel, through Nov 14, 2026, unless extended) (see below) |
| Superior Court | Superior Court of California, County of Orange |
Local rent control and just-cause rules
| City or county | How the cap works (summary) | Figure the AG lists |
|---|---|---|
| Santa AnaSanta Ana Mun. Code §§ 8-3140 et seq. | 80% of the CPI change, up to 3%. | 2.87%9/1/26 – 8/31/27 |
Source: California Attorney General, Limits on Rent Increases (local chart), read Nov 13, 2026. The AG’s chart is informational; check the city and its ordinance. These local caps apply instead of the statewide cap only when they result in a lower increase, and many have exemptions (for example for newer buildings and most single-family homes and condos).
Cities in Orange County with their own pages
These cities appear on the Attorney General’s chart of local rent-increase rules. Each page links to the ordinance and the city office.
Emergency orders affecting Orange County
Orders below come from the emergency order tracker, last verified Nov 13, 2026.
Tropical Storm Rachel — Governor's state of emergency
- Type
- State of emergency (Penal Code § 396)
- Where
- Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego (whole counties)
- Proclaimed
- Oct 15, 2026
- Rent cap period
- Oct 15, 2026 to Nov 14, 2026
- Cap
- 10% over the pre-proclamation rent; units not rented in the prior year: 160% of HUD fair market rent
- Authority
- Penal Code § 396(e) and (f) (rental housing); proclamation of Oct. 15, 2026
What it means: Under current Penal Code 396(e), the cap covers rental housing with an initial lease term of one year or less (month-to-month included). It does not authorize rent above a stricter local rent-control limit. SB 1365 (2026), effective Jan. 1, 2027, expands the definition of housing to all rental housing regardless of initial lease term for emergencies after that date.
How the end date was determined: Cal OES's price-gouging page, checked Nov. 13, 2026, lists the rental-housing protections (Penal Code 396(e),(f)) through 11/14/2026. No extension had been announced as of Nov. 13, 2026. Protections can be extended (Pen. Code 396(g)); if they are, this end date will change.
- Penal Code 396(e) bars increasing the rental price "advertised, offered, or charged" during the period. The statute does not say how it treats a notice served during the period for an increase that takes effect after it ends, so the wizard answers conservatively (it applies the cap) and recommends consulting an attorney.
- Protections can be extended (Pen. Code 396(g)). As of Nov. 13, 2026, Cal OES lists 11/14/2026 as the end date for rental housing and no extension had been announced; check the Cal OES page for any later change.
Last verified Nov 13, 2026.
Statewide El Niño proclamation — Penal Code 396 suspended
- Type
- State proclamation (Penal Code § 396 suspended)
- Where
- Statewide
- Proclaimed
- Sep 21, 2026
- Rent cap period
- None imposed by this proclamation
- Authority
- Proclamation of Sept. 21, 2026, ¶ 18: Penal Code 396 restrictions "are suspended, and no such restrictions are imposed, with respect to this El Niño event, at this time."
What it means: Listed for information. This proclamation alone does not impose the 10% emergency rent cap.
How the end date was determined: Open-ended; the Governor could later lift the suspension ("at this time").
- The suspension applies only to the statewide El Niño proclamation, and only "at this time." Local emergency declarations can trigger their own price-gouging rules.
Last verified Nov 13, 2026.
Courts and self-help
Superior Court of California, County of Orange
Local court rules, filing information and forms.
California Courts Self-Help: landlord eviction information
Statewide guides and forms for landlords and tenants.
Housing agencies
OC Housing & Community Development
County housing authority and community development programs.
Assessor, recorder and county clerk
Orange County Clerk-Recorder
Recorded documents, deeds and county clerk services
Assessor phone numbers come from the State Board of Equalization county directory.
Code enforcement
Utilities and services
See the utility directory for the main electric, gas and internet providers serving Orange County and links for statewide providers. Water, sewer and trash vary by city; check your city’s website or your bill.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum rent increase in Orange County?
The statewide cap is 5% plus the change in the cost of living, up to 10%. For increases starting between Aug. 1, 2026 and July 31, 2027, the Attorney General lists 8.7% for the Los Angeles area. This applies to most rental housing more than 15 years old. Cities such as Santa Ana may have lower local caps. Use the rent increase wizard for your date and exemptions.
Does Orange County have rent control?
Some cities do. The Attorney General’s chart lists Santa Ana.
Is there an emergency rent cap in Orange County right now?
As of Nov 13, 2026, yes: Tropical Storm Rachel, through Nov 14, 2026, unless extended. Check the cards on this page and the official sources for any extension or new order before you raise rent.
Where do I find court forms for an eviction in Orange County?
Start with the Superior Court of California, County of Orange website and the Judicial Council’s landlord self-help pages. Only a court can order an eviction.
Sources
- California Attorney General: Limits on Rent Increases
- Superior Court of California, County of Orange
- California State Board of Equalization: county assessors, auditors and clerk-recorders
- Cal OES: price gouging protections in place
- California Courts Self-Help: landlord eviction information
Local ordinances change often and this page may be out of date. Check the linked official sources, your city and, for decisions that matter, a qualified California attorney. Read the disclaimer.