No-Fault Evictions: Los Angeles vs Santa Monica
How do no-fault evictions rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Los Angeles and Santa Monica have similar restriction levels.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Under LAMC §151.30 Just Cause, a landlord may end a tenancy without tenant fault only for owner move-in, Ellis Act withdrawal, demolition or permanent removal, substantial remodel, or government order. Each path requires notices and relocation pay.
View full Los Angeles rules →Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
Under LA County's RSTPO, landlords in unincorporated areas may end a tenancy without tenant fault only for owner move-in, Ellis Act withdrawal, demolition or permanent removal, substantial remodel, or government order. Each path requires notice, filing, and relocation pay.
View full Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| Code | LAMC §151.30 | LACO Title 8.52.060(B) |
| Owner move-in | LAMC §151.30(B) | - |
| Ellis Act | Cal. Gov. Code §7060 | Cal. Gov. Code §7060 |
| Owner-occupancy minimum | Two continuous years | Two continuous years |
| Filed with | LAHD before notice | DCBA before notice |
| Coverage | - | Unincorporated areas only |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles FAQ
Are single-family homes covered by Just Cause?
Yes. LAMC §151.30 reaches single-family rentals after one year of tenancy, even when the unit is exempt from RSO rent caps under state law (Costa-Hawkins).
Can the landlord skip relocation if the tenant volunteers to leave?
No. Statutory relocation under §151.09(G) and §151.30 is owed for any qualifying no-fault termination, regardless of whether the tenant resists or cooperates with the move.
Santa Monica FAQ
Are single-family homes covered?
Yes. Title 8.52 reaches single-family rentals in unincorporated areas after one year of tenancy, even when the unit is exempt from county rent caps under state Costa-Hawkins limits.
Can the landlord skip relocation if the tenant cooperates?
No. Statutory relocation under §8.52.080 is owed for any qualifying no-fault termination, regardless of whether the tenant resists or voluntarily cooperates with the requested move.
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