Quick note for owners with Orange County rentals heading into renewal season.

The data: for rent increases that start between Aug 1, 2026 and Jul 31, 2027, the statewide Tenant Protection Act cap for Orange County is 8.7%, up from 8% the year before. Santa Ana's local ordinance is lower: 2.87% for increases from Sep 1, 2026 to Aug 31, 2027. Source: California Attorney General, "Limits on Rent Increases" (oag.ca.gov/rentcaps).

What it means for owners: 8.7% is a ceiling, not a target. It covers most rentals more than 15 years old, and it limits the total increase over any 12-month period, so two smaller raises can't stack past it.

Practical tip: before sending renewal notices, confirm for each property whether it's covered (age, ownership, and whether the lease has the exemption notice for individually owned houses and condos) and which city it sits in. Not legal advice.

Are you planning to go near the cap on renewals this year, or staying closer to market?