No-Fault Evictions: Palo Alto vs San Jose
How do no-fault evictions rules compare between Palo Alto, CA and San Jose, CA?
Palo Alto has fewer restrictions than San Jose.
Palo Alto, CA
Santa Clara County
Unincorporated Santa Clara County applies California's AB-1482 no-fault grounds: owner move-in, substantial remodel, demolition, government order, and Ellis Act withdrawal. Each path requires written notice, statutory relocation, and good-faith intent.
View full Palo Alto rules →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
Under San Jose's Tenant Protection Ordinance, a landlord may end a covered tenancy without tenant fault only for owner or relative move-in, Ellis Act withdrawal, demolition, or substantial remodel. Each path requires advance notice and relocation pay.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Palo Alto | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| State law | Cal. Civ. Code §1946.2 | - |
| Ellis Act | Cal. Gov. Code §7060 | Cal. Gov. Code 7060 |
| Relocation | One month of rent | - |
| County code | No SCC unincorporated rule | - |
| Treble damages | Available for bad-faith filings | - |
| Code | - | SJMC 17.23.1200 (TPO) |
| Owner move-in | - | 36 months primary residence |
| Substantial remodel | - | 30+ days vacancy required |
| Filed with | - | SJ Housing Department |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Palo Alto FAQ
Are single-family homes covered by AB-1482 no-fault rules?
Most single-family homes owned by individual investors are exempt if the AB-1482 exemption notice was properly served. Homes owned by REITs, corporations, or LLCs with corporate members remain fully covered.
Can the landlord skip relocation if I cooperate?
No. AB-1482 requires either direct relocation pay equal to one month's rent or a written waiver of the final month's rent for any qualifying no-fault termination, regardless of tenant cooperation.
San Jose FAQ
Are single-family homes covered by San Jose's TPO?
Generally no. The Tenant Protection Ordinance reaches multi-family buildings of three or more units. Single-family rentals fall under California's statewide AB-1482 just cause rules, which cover similar no-fault grounds.
Can the landlord skip relocation if the tenant volunteers to leave?
No. Statutory relocation under SJMC 17.23.1300 is owed for any qualifying no-fault termination at a covered apartment, regardless of whether the tenant resists or cooperates with the move.
Compare other topics
See how Palo Alto and San Jose compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool