Just Cause Eviction: Bonsall vs San Diego
How do just cause eviction rules compare between Bonsall, CA and San Diego, CA?
Bonsall has fewer restrictions than San Diego.
Bonsall, CA
San Diego County
Tenants in unincorporated San Diego County are protected by California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) which requires just cause for eviction after 12 months of occupancy. At-fault and no-fault just cause provisions apply. Relocation assistance required for no-fault evictions.
View full Bonsall rules →San Diego, CA
San Diego County
SDMC §98.0704 prohibits landlords from terminating tenancy without just cause, effective immediately upon commencement of tenancy. At-fault causes include nonpayment of rent, lease violations, nuisance, property damage, refusal to renew lease, and criminal activity. No-fault causes include owner move-in, family member move-in, withdrawal from rental market, and substantial remodel. Wrongful eviction penalties include 3x actual economic damages. Landlords must register termination notices with the San Diego Housing Commission within 3 business days.
View full San Diego rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bonsall | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | AB 1482 — Tenant Protection Act | - |
| Applies After | 12 months of occupancy | - |
| Relocation | 1 month rent for no-fault evictions | - |
| Exempt | Single-family (individual owner + notice), <15 yr buildings | - |
| Notice | Must state specific cause | - |
| Code Section | - | SDMC §98.0704 |
| At-Fault | - | Nonpayment, lease violations, nuisance, criminal activity |
| No-Fault | - | Owner/family move-in, market withdrawal, substantial remodel |
| Penalty | - | 3x actual damages for wrongful eviction |
| Registry | - | Termination notices to SDHC within 3 business days |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bonsall FAQ
Does just cause eviction apply in unincorporated San Diego County?
Yes. California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) applies statewide, including unincorporated areas. After 12 months of occupancy, landlords must have just cause to terminate a tenancy.
What are valid reasons for eviction under AB 1482?
At-fault reasons include nonpayment of rent, material lease violations, criminal activity, and refusal to sign a reasonable lease renewal. No-fault reasons include owner move-in, substantial renovation, and withdrawal from rental market.
Do I have to pay relocation assistance?
Yes, for no-fault evictions. The landlord must pay one month's rent as relocation assistance. This can be paid directly or waived from the final month's rent.
San Diego FAQ
Can my landlord evict me without cause?
No. SDMC §98.0704 requires just cause for all evictions from the start of tenancy. This is stronger than AB 1482, which only applies after 12 months.
What happens if my landlord evicts me without just cause?
You may be entitled to at least 3x your actual economic damages in a civil action for wrongful eviction, plus relocation assistance if applicable.
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