Just Cause Eviction: Costa Mesa vs Santa Ana
How do just cause eviction rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Costa Mesa and Santa Ana have similar restriction levels.
Costa Mesa, CA
Orange County
Costa Mesa adopted its own Just Cause Residential Tenant Protections Urgency Ordinance on November 7, 2023, which prohibits landlords from terminating tenancies without a valid just cause reason. No-fault evictions require 60 days notice and relocation assistance equal to one month of HUD Fair Market Rent.
View full Costa Mesa rules →Santa Ana, CA
Orange County
Santa Ana enforces just cause eviction protections under both its local ordinance and California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482). Landlords of covered residential units must state a legally valid reason for terminating a tenancy. Just cause includes at-fault reasons such as non-payment of rent and no-fault reasons such as owner move-in or substantial renovation.
View full Santa Ana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinance Adopted | November 7, 2023 | - |
| No-Fault Notice | 60 days required | - |
| Relocation Assistance | 1 month HUD Fair Market Rent | Required for no-fault evictions |
| At-Fault Examples | Nonpayment, lease violations, nuisance | - |
| Tenant Protections | costamesaca.gov/trending/tenant-protections | - |
| Local Ordinance | - | Santa Ana Just Cause Eviction Ordinance |
| State Law | - | CA Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) |
| At-Fault Causes | - | Non-payment, lease violations, nuisance |
| No-Fault Causes | - | Owner move-in, substantial renovation, withdrawal |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Costa Mesa FAQ
What is Costa Mesa's just cause eviction ordinance?
Adopted November 7, 2023, the ordinance prohibits landlords from terminating tenancies without a valid just cause reason stated in the eviction notice. It distinguishes between at-fault evictions (like nonpayment) and no-fault evictions (like owner move-in).
Do Costa Mesa landlords have to pay relocation assistance?
Yes, for no-fault evictions. Landlords must pay relocation assistance equal to one month of Fair Market Rent as determined annually by HUD. This applies to evictions for owner move-in, Ellis Act withdrawal, and substantial rehabilitation.
How much notice must a Costa Mesa landlord give for a no-fault eviction?
Costa Mesa requires a 60-day notice period for no-fault evictions. The notice must state the specific just cause reason for terminating the tenancy.
Santa Ana FAQ
Can a landlord evict me without cause in Santa Ana?
No. Santa Ana's Just Cause Eviction Ordinance and California's AB 1482 require landlords to state a legally valid reason for eviction of tenants who have lived in a unit for 12 months or more.
What is relocation assistance in Santa Ana?
Tenants evicted for no-fault reasons, such as owner move-in or substantial renovation, are entitled to relocation assistance as specified in the local ordinance and state law.
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