Item 10 - Quarterly Report for Housing Division Projects and Activities

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Housing Division Quarterly Report February 20, 2024 Page 6 4 0 4 0 Program Updates This project has met many critical milestones over the course of Quarter 2 (Q2). The City of Santa Ana Rent Stabilization Division hired a Division Manager to oversee the program. This is the first position filled within the Division. The City will continue to work with RSG, Inc. on the long-term implementation of the Ordinance while working on hiring staff and developing a team to continue to provide service to our community. The City of Santa Ana Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance requires landlords to register their rental units with the City. The deadline for rental registration was December 31, 2023. Staff provided in person and over the phone support to landlords with the rental registry process. Under the “Ordinance” Section 8-3147, property owners may file a property exemption. Staff reviewed and processed 859 property exemptions before December 31, 2023, ensuring a smooth and efficient process. During this quarter period, 18 petitions were received from tenants and landlords. Staff reviewed all of the 18 petitions. Staff conducted a series of virtual workshops to assist landlords with completing the registration process in the Rental Registry. In Q2, staff conducted the last workshop of the series by providing one (1) informational workshop for property owners. In addition to the progress made towards the long-term implementation of the Rent Stabilization Program, staff has continued to serve the community in the following ways throughout Q2: •Reviewed and revised the rental registry portal by improving features for ease of use. •Reviewed and made continuous improvements to the layout, content, and forms on the Renter Protections webpage for easier access and understanding. •Fielded calls and emails from the public and provided information, referrals, and education to renters and property owners on the City’s Ordinance. •Provided walk-in assistance to answer questions from property owners and assist with the Rental Registry at the Santa Ana WORK Center at 801 W. Civic Center Drive, Suite 200, Santa Ana, CA 92701. •Currently accepting applications for appointment of the Rental Housing Board. •Two new board members were appointed to serve on the Rental Housing Board. Residents Served During this quarter, staff and RSG fielded calls from the public and provided information and education to renters and property owners on the Ordinance. A breakdown of the number of inquiries is as follows: Month # of Inquiries October 2023 870 November 2023 549 December 2023 690 Total 2109