El Cajon, CA Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)
Just cause eviction rules in El Cajon, CA, sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances, list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Key Facts
- Local Ordinance
- None. AB 1482 applies
- Applies After
- 12 months of occupancy
- At-Fault Causes
- Non-payment, breach, nuisance, criminal
- No-Fault Causes
- Owner move-in, renovation, withdrawal
- Relocation Assistance
- One month rent (no-fault only)
Summary
El Cajon does not have a local just cause eviction ordinance. Covered tenancies are protected by California AB 1482, which requires landlords to cite a specific just cause for terminating tenancies of 12+ months. No-fault evictions require relocation assistance of one month's rent.
1946.2. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, after a tenant has continuously and lawfully occupied a residential real property for 12 months, the owner of the residential real property shall not terminate a tenancy without just cause, which shall be stated in the written notice to terminate tenancy. If any additional adult tenants are added to the lease before an existing tenant has continuously and lawfully occupied the residential real property for 24 months, then this subdivision shall only apply if either of the following are satisfied: (1) All of the tenants have continuously and lawfully occupied the residential real property for 12 months or more. (2) One or more tenants have continuously and lawfully occupied the residential real property for 24 months or more.
Full Breakdown
Just cause eviction protections in El Cajon are provided by California's statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482). The city has not enacted additional local protections. AB 1482 requires landlords to state a specific just cause reason when terminating a tenancy of 12 months or more. At-fault causes include non-payment of rent, breach of lease, nuisance, criminal activity, and refusal to allow lawful entry. No-fault causes include owner move-in, substantial renovation, withdrawal from the rental market, and compliance with government orders. No-fault terminations require the landlord to provide relocation assistance equal to one month's rent or waive the final month's rent. The same property exemptions that apply to rent caps also apply to just cause protections.
Violations & Fines
Terminating a tenancy without valid just cause may result in the tenant challenging the eviction in court. Landlords may be liable for damages including moving costs and the difference in rent. Retaliatory evictions are separately prohibited under California Civil Code 1942.5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my landlord evict me without cause in El Cajon?
What qualifies as just cause for eviction?
Am I entitled to relocation assistance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in El Cajon
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How other cities in San Diego County handle just cause eviction.