Mountain View vs Palo Alto
How do just cause eviction rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Palo Alto, CA?
Palo Alto has fewer restrictions than Mountain View.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Mountain View's CSFRA (Measure V, City Charter Article XVII) plus California AB 1482 give tenants strong just-cause protections. Landlords must state an allowable reason and often pay relocation assistance.
View full Mountain View rules →Palo Alto, CA
Santa Clara County
Palo Alto tenants are protected by California AB 1482 (Civil Code 1946.2), which requires landlords to state just cause to terminate tenancies of 12+ months and pay relocation assistance for no-fault evictions.
View full Palo Alto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Palo Alto |
|---|---|---|
| Local law | CSFRA (Measure V), City Charter Article XVII | - |
| State backup | AB 1482 / Civil Code 1946.2 | - |
| Covered units | Multi-family built before Feb 1, 1995 | - |
| Relocation assistance | 3 months HUD FMR for no-fault | - |
| Administrator | Rental Housing Committee | - |
| Governing law | - | CA Civil Code 1946.2 (AB 1482) |
| Coverage threshold | - | 12 months of continuous tenancy |
| No-fault relocation | - | One month rent or final month waived |
| Exemptions | - | New construction (under 15 years), some single-family |
| Local contact | - | (650) 329-2100 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Does CSFRA cover single-family homes?
Generally no. CSFRA covers multi-family rental units with a certificate of occupancy before February 1, 1995. Single-family homes and condos may still be covered by AB 1482 if owned by a corporation or REIT.
How much relocation assistance is required?
For no-fault evictions under CSFRA, landlords must pay three months of HUD fair market rent, with higher amounts for households containing seniors, disabled persons, minors, or low-income tenants.
Palo Alto FAQ
Does Palo Alto have its own just cause ordinance?
No, Palo Alto relies on California AB 1482 rather than a separate local just cause ordinance. The state law applies to most rental units in the city.
What counts as a no-fault eviction?
Owner or relative move-in, permanent removal from the rental market, compliance with a government order, or substantial remodel requiring the unit to be vacant.
How much relocation pay is required?
Landlords must pay one month of rent as relocation assistance or waive the tenant's final month of rent in no-fault situations.
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