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πŸ”‘ Rental Property Rules/Just Cause Eviction

Lakewood vs Santa Monica

How do just cause eviction rules compare between Lakewood, CA and Santa Monica, CA?

Lakewood and Santa Monica have similar restriction levels.

Lakewood, CA

Los Angeles County

Heavy Restrictions

Lakewood may require just cause for evicting tenants in covered units. Landlords must demonstrate a legally recognized reason to terminate tenancy beyond lease expiration.

View full Lakewood rules β†’

Santa Monica, CA

Los Angeles County

Heavy Restrictions

Santa Monica enforces strict just-cause eviction protections. Tenants may only be evicted for enumerated at-fault or no-fault reasons. No-fault evictions require relocation assistance. Ordinance 2776 (2024) expanded anti-discrimination and harassment protections.

View full Santa Monica rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactLakewoodSanta Monica
Just CauseRequired for covered unitsRequired for all evictions
RelocationPayment may be requiredRequired for no-fault evictions
Minimum TenancyTypically 12 months-
TopicJust Cause Eviction-
Ord. 2776-2024 expanded protections
Enforcement-Rent Control Board

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Lakewood FAQ

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

In units covered by just cause protections, no. Landlords must have a valid reason. Check if your unit is covered under Lakewood or state just cause requirements.

What is a self-help eviction?

When a landlord tries to force a tenant out by changing locks, removing doors, shutting off utilities, or removing belongings. This is illegal everywhere and tenants can sue for damages.

Santa Monica FAQ

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

In units covered by just cause protections, no. Landlords must have a valid reason. Check if your unit is covered under Santa Monica or state just cause requirements.

What is a self-help eviction?

When a landlord tries to force a tenant out by changing locks, removing doors, shutting off utilities, or removing belongings. This is illegal everywhere and tenants can sue for damages.

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