Just Cause Eviction: Berkeley vs Livermore
How do just cause eviction rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Livermore, CA?
Livermore has fewer restrictions than Berkeley.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Berkeley has one of the oldest just-cause eviction ordinances in the US. Landlords must cite a specific legal reason from BMC Chapter 13.76 to terminate a tenancy, and relocation payments apply for no-fault evictions.
View full Berkeley rules →Livermore, CA
Alameda County
Livermore tenants are protected by California's AB 1482 statewide just-cause eviction law. Landlords must state an allowable reason after 12 months of tenancy.
View full Livermore rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Livermore |
|---|---|---|
| Governing law | BMC Chapter 13.76 | - |
| Agency | Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board | - |
| Relocation payment | Required for no-fault evictions | - |
| Filing required | Notice filed with Rent Board | - |
| Phone | (510) 981-7368 | - |
| State Law | - | AB 1482 / Civil Code 1946.2 |
| Trigger | - | 12+ months tenancy |
| Relocation | - | 1 month rent (no-fault) |
| Exemptions | - | SFR, units <15 yrs old |
| Local Rule | - | None beyond state law |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Can my landlord evict me without a reason in Berkeley?
No. Berkeley requires a specific good cause listed in BMC 13.76. Month-to-month tenancies cannot be terminated at will.
Do I get a relocation payment?
Yes, for no-fault evictions like owner move-in or Ellis Act withdrawal. Amounts are set yearly by the Rent Board and are higher for seniors, disabled, and families with minors.
Livermore FAQ
Does Livermore have a local eviction ordinance?
No. Livermore follows California's statewide AB 1482 just-cause eviction law without additional local restrictions.
Which units are exempt?
Single-family homes owned by individuals (not corporations), owner-occupied duplexes, and units with a certificate of occupancy within the last 15 years.
Compare other topics
See how Berkeley and Livermore compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool