Does Long Beach, CA have its own cash-for-keys agreements ordinance?

No. Long Beach, CA does not appear to have a local cash-for-keys agreements ordinance, California state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from California Civil Code 1946.2.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Long Beach

Long Beach, CA Rental Property Rules: Cash-for-Keys Agreements (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Statute: Cal. Civ. Code 1946.2
Local layer: LBMC 8.97
Disclosure: Right to refuse
Rescission: Statutory cooling-off

Summary

California Civil Code section 1946.2 and Long Beach LBMC 8.97 allow voluntary buyouts where landlords pay tenants to surrender possession, but require written disclosure of tenant rights, signed agreement, and a tenant rescission window.

For a tenancy for which just cause is required to terminate the tenancy under subdivision (a), if an owner of residential real property issues a termination notice based on a no-fault just cause described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b), the owner shall, regardless of the tenant's income, at the owner's option, do one of the following: (A) Assist the tenant to relocate by providing a direct payment to the tenant as described in paragraph (3). (B) Waive in writing the payment of rent for the final month of the tenancy, prior to the rent becoming due. ... The amount of relocation assistance or rent waiver shall be equal to one month of the tenant's rent that was in effect when the owner issued the notice to terminate the tenancy.

Source: California Civil Code 1946.2View official code

Full Breakdown

Cash-for-keys agreements let landlords pay tenants in exchange for vacating without filing eviction. California requires written disclosure that the tenant has the right to consult counsel, refuse the buyout, and rescind within a statutory cooling-off period after signing. Long Beach landlords must additionally disclose any LBMC 8.97 relocation assistance that would otherwise be owed if the buyout substitutes for a no-fault termination, ensuring the tenant knows the floor amount. Buyouts must be filed with the city if required and cannot be coerced under threat of fabricated cause.

Violations & Fines

Coercive or undisclosed buyouts, agreements without statutory disclosures, or buyouts paying less than the underlying relocation floor without informed consent may be voidable and expose landlords to civil liability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I refuse a cash-for-keys offer?

Yes, the offer is voluntary and you have the right to consult counsel, negotiate higher amounts, or refuse entirely without losing existing tenancy or just-cause protections.

How does the buyout compare to relocation?

A buyout must disclose LBMC 8.97 relocation assistance the tenant would otherwise receive, so you can compare the offered amount to the statutory floor before signing.

Sources & Official References

[1]Cal. Civ. Code 1946.2

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All Long Beach rules

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