California Eviction Laws

California requires landlords of most residential units to have just cause to terminate a tenancy under the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482).

Last reviewed: March 20, 2026

Key Rules

Notice Period: 30 days (tenancy less than 1 year), 60 days (tenancy 1 year or more)
Just Cause Required: Yes, for covered units under AB 1482 (most units built before 2005)
Rent Cap Increase: 5% + local CPI, or 10% maximum, whichever is less (AB 1482)
Unlawful Detainer: 3-day notice for non-payment of rent before filing unlawful detainer

Applicable Statutes

Cal. Civ. Code § 1946

Notice required to terminate a periodic tenancy: 30 days for tenancies under one year, 60 days for tenancies of one year or more.

Cal. Civ. Code § 1946.2

Just cause for termination of tenancy under the Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482). Landlords of covered units must have a qualifying just cause reason to terminate a tenancy.

Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1161

Unlawful detainer: defines grounds for eviction lawsuits, including non-payment of rent and lease violations.