Costa Mesa, CA Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)

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.