Palo Alto vs Sunnyvale
How do just cause eviction rules compare between Palo Alto, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Palo Alto and Sunnyvale have similar restriction levels.
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 →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
Sunnyvale tenants are protected by California AB 1482 just cause eviction requirements. Landlords must state an allowable reason for eviction after 12 months of occupancy.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Palo Alto | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | One month rent assistance |
| Exemptions | New construction (under 15 years), some single-family | New construction, SFH individually owned |
| Local contact | (650) 329-2100 | - |
| Applies after | - | 12 months of occupancy |
| State law | - | AB 1482 (CC 1946.2) |
| Local rent board | - | None - state law only |
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.
Sunnyvale FAQ
Does Sunnyvale have its own just cause ordinance?
No. Sunnyvale relies on California AB 1482 (Civil Code 1946.2) for just cause eviction protection.
When does just cause protection begin?
After a tenant has continuously occupied the unit for 12 months, or 24 months if additional adults are added later.
Compare other topics
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