Just Cause Eviction: San Jose vs Sunnyvale
How do just cause eviction rules compare between San Jose, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Sunnyvale 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 →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 | San Jose | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Applies after | - | 12 months of occupancy |
| State law | - | AB 1482 (CC 1946.2) |
| No-fault relocation | - | One month rent assistance |
| Exemptions | - | New construction, SFH individually owned |
| Local rent board | - | None - state law only |
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.
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
See how San Jose and Sunnyvale 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