Palo Alto vs San Jose
How do just cause eviction rules compare between Palo Alto, CA and San Jose, CA?
Palo Alto has fewer restrictions than San Jose.
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 →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose's Ellis Act and Tenant Protection Ordinance under SJMC Chapter 17.23 requires just cause for eviction of tenants in rent-stabilized units. Landlords must demonstrate one of the enumerated just cause grounds including nonpayment of rent, breach of lease, nuisance, illegal use, owner move-in, or withdrawal from the rental market (Ellis Act). Additionally, California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) provides just cause eviction protections statewide for tenancies of 12+ months in covered properties.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Palo Alto | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Code Section | - | SJMC Chapter 17.23 |
| Grounds | - | Nonpayment, breach, nuisance, owner move-in, Ellis Act |
| Notice Period | - | 120 days minimum for Ellis Act withdrawal |
| Relocation | - | Required for no-fault evictions |
| State Law | - | AB 1482 covers tenancies of 12+ months statewide |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
San Jose FAQ
Can my landlord evict me without reason in San Jose?
No. For rent-stabilized units, landlords must have just cause for eviction. Even for units not covered by the local ordinance, AB 1482 provides just cause protections after 12 months of tenancy.
Am I entitled to relocation assistance if evicted?
Yes, for no-fault evictions such as owner move-in or Ellis Act withdrawal, landlords must provide relocation assistance to displaced tenants under the San Jose ordinance.
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