Just Cause Eviction: Redwood City vs San Mateo
How do just cause eviction rules compare between Redwood City, CA and San Mateo, CA?
Redwood City and San Mateo have similar restriction levels.
Redwood City, CA
San Mateo County
Unincorporated San Mateo County applies California's statewide just-cause eviction protections under AB 1482 (Civil Code §1946.2). After 12 months of tenancy, landlords must state an at-fault or no-fault reason. No-fault evictions require one month's rent in relocation assistance.
View full Redwood City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
San Mateo adopted an emergency just cause eviction ordinance (Ord. 2019-12) providing local protections that complement AB 1482. Landlords must cite a specific just cause for terminating tenancies of 12+ months. No-fault evictions require one month's rent as relocation assistance.
View full San Mateo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Redwood City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | Civil Code §1946.2 | - |
| Trigger | After 12 months tenancy | - |
| Relocation | One month rent for no-fault | One month rent (no-fault) |
| Owner Move-In | 12+ month occupancy required | - |
| Local Ordinance | None in unincorporated | Ord. 2019-12 — just cause |
| Effective Date | - | Retroactive to Oct 1, 2019 |
| At-Fault Causes | - | Non-payment, breach, nuisance |
| No-Fault Causes | - | Owner move-in, renovation, withdrawal |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Redwood City FAQ
Who enforces just cause eviction rules in San Mateo County?
San Mateo County's code enforcement division is responsible for rental property ordinances. You can report violations or request information through the San Mateo County government website or by calling the main municipal line.
What are typical penalties for violating just cause eviction rules?
Most San Mateo County rental property violations start with a written warning followed by escalating civil fines for repeat offenses. Specific dollar amounts and any criminal-misdemeanor exposure depend on the section of code; consult San Mateo County's municipal code or staff for the current penalty schedule.
San Mateo FAQ
Does San Mateo have just cause eviction protections?
Yes. The city adopted Ordinance 2019-12 providing local just cause protections retroactive to October 1, 2019, complementing state AB 1482.
What qualifies as just cause?
At-fault: non-payment, lease violations, nuisance, criminal activity. No-fault: owner move-in, substantial renovation, demolition, withdrawal from rental market.
What relocation assistance is required?
For no-fault evictions, the landlord must provide one month's rent as relocation assistance or waive the final month's rent.
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