What rent cap applies?

AB 1482's 5% + LA-Long Beach-Anaheim CPI, max 10%.

Are STRs allowed in Costa Mesa?

Costa Mesa has STR rules with permitting requirements. Verify current ordinance specifics — the city has amended its framework.

How does habitability enforcement work?

Code Enforcement applies state §1941.1 plus city housing code.

AB 1482 · OC compliance

Costa Mesa: state framework, standard OC overlay. The light end of California compliance.

No rent control. No just-cause overlay. No rental registry. AB 1482 and SB 567 control. STR rules apply for short-term operations. The compliance lift here is the OC baseline — meaningfully lighter than Santa Ana.

TL;DR

Costa Mesa: no local rent control, AB 1482 controls. No just-cause overlay. No general rental registry. Standard habitability via Code Enforcement. STR rules require permits.

State framework only

Costa Mesa runs entirely on AB 1482 and SB 567. The 5% + LA-Long Beach-Anaheim CPI cap, 10% ceiling, just-cause after 12 months for covered units. No city-level overlay modifies any of this.

STRs and code enforcement

STR operations require city permits. Code Enforcement handles habitability under §1941.1 and city housing code with administrative tools.

Common questions — Costa Mesa landlord laws

Rent control?

No. AB 1482 controls.

Rent cap?

5% + LA-Long Beach-Anaheim CPI, max 10%.

STR rules?

Permits required. Verify current ordinance.

Rental registry?

No general long-term registry.

Habitability?

Code Enforcement under §1941.1.