Just cause eviction rules in Costa Mesa, CA β sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances β list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Costa Mesa adopted its own Just Cause Residential Tenant Protections Urgency Ordinance on November 7, 2023, which prohibits landlords from terminating tenancies without a valid just cause reason. No-fault evictions require 60 days notice and relocation assistance equal to one month of HUD Fair Market Rent.
Costa Mesa adopted its Just Cause Residential Tenant Protections Urgency Ordinance on November 7, 2023, providing protections beyond the state AB 1482 baseline. Under the ordinance, a tenancy may not be terminated unless the landlord has one of the allowable just cause reasons, which must be stated in the notice terminating tenancy. The ordinance distinguishes between at-fault and no-fault evictions. At-fault evictions include nonpayment of rent, material lease violations, nuisance behavior, illegal activity, refusal to allow lawful access, and failure to sign a substantially similar lease renewal. For at-fault evictions, landlords must provide clear documentation and follow proper notice procedures. No-fault evictions include owner or family member move-in, withdrawal from the rental market (Ellis Act), and substantial rehabilitation requiring vacancy. Costa Mesa requires a 60-day notice period for no-fault evictions. Tenants evicted for no-fault reasons are entitled to relocation assistance from the landlord equal to one month of Fair Market Rent (FMR) as determined annually by HUD. The ordinance applies in addition to California's statewide AB 1482 just cause eviction protections.
Evictions without proper just cause or without required relocation assistance may be challenged in court. Tenants may recover damages, attorney fees, and potentially be restored to their unit. Contact the Costa Mesa Community Improvement Division or a tenant rights attorney.
Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa Municipal Code Title 13 establishes noise standards that vary by zoning district. Industrial and commercial noise crossing into residential zones ...
Costa Mesa, CA
Outdoor music at residences, parks, and events in Costa Mesa must comply with CMMC Title 13 noise standards. Amplified outdoor music requires compliance with...
Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa regulates amplified music under CMMC Chapter XIII noise control. Music and sound-producing devices must comply with exterior noise standards at th...
Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa defines abandoned vehicles as those left on public streets for more than 72 hours without being moved or those that are inoperable. The city proac...
Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa prohibits commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds GVW from parking on restricted streets between 2 AM and 6 AM, or for more than 3 hours on any pub...
Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa requires vehicles to park on improved surfaces under its development and property maintenance standards. Driveway design must meet zoning requirem...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle just cause eviction.
See how Costa Mesa's just cause eviction rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.