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).
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
Some citations below have not been confirmed against their official source. Confirm current requirements with local legal aid or an attorney.
Applicable Statutes
Notice required to terminate a periodic tenancy: 30 days for tenancies under one year, 60 days for tenancies of one year or more.
Source confirmed · Official state source
View archived excerpt
“…1872. ) TITLE 5. HIRING [1925 - 1997.270] ( Title 5 enacted 1872. ) CHAPTER 2. Hiring of Real Property [1940 - 1954.071] ( Chapter 2 enacted 1872. ) 1946. (a) A hiring of real property, for a term not specified by the parties, is deemed to be renewed as stated in Section 1945, at the end of the term im…”
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.
Source confirmed · Official state source
View archived excerpt
“…1872. ) TITLE 5. HIRING [1925 - 1997.270] ( Title 5 enacted 1872. ) CHAPTER 2. Hiring of Real Property [1940 - 1954.071] ( Chapter 2 enacted 1872. ) 1946.2. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, after a tenant has continuously and lawfully occupied a residential real property for 12 months, the owner of the…”
Unlawful detainer: defines grounds for eviction lawsuits, including non-payment of rent and lease violations.
Not confirmed against its source · checked
Legal Aid Resources
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