Just Cause Eviction: Santa Clara vs Sunnyvale
How do just cause eviction rules compare between Santa Clara, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Santa Clara and Sunnyvale have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Santa Clara | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Local ordinance | None beyond state law | - |
| State law | AB 1482 / Civil Code 1946.2 | AB 1482 (CC 1946.2) |
| Tenancy threshold | 12 months for just cause | - |
| Relocation assistance | 1 month rent for no-fault | - |
| Exemptions | SFH, buildings under 15 years | New construction, SFH individually owned |
| Applies after | - | 12 months of occupancy |
| No-fault relocation | - | One month rent assistance |
| Local rent board | - | None - state law only |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
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 Santa Clara and Sunnyvale compare on other ordinance categories.
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