San Jose vs Santa Clara
How do just cause eviction rules compare between San Jose, CA and Santa Clara, CA?
Santa Clara has fewer restrictions than San Jose.
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 →Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara does not have a local just cause eviction ordinance, but state AB 1482 (Civil Code 1946.2) applies to most rentals over 15 years old and requires just cause for eviction after 12 months of tenancy.
View full Santa Clara rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Jose | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Local ordinance | - | None beyond state law |
| State law | - | AB 1482 / Civil Code 1946.2 |
| Tenancy threshold | - | 12 months for just cause |
| Relocation assistance | - | 1 month rent for no-fault |
| Exemptions | - | SFH, buildings under 15 years |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Santa Clara FAQ
Does Santa Clara have local just cause rules?
No. Santa Clara relies on California AB 1482 statewide just cause protections for covered units.
What qualifies as just cause?
At-fault reasons like nonpayment or lease violations, and no-fault reasons like owner move-in or substantial remodel with relocation assistance required.
Compare other topics
See how San Jose and Santa Clara 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