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Alameda County, CA Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Just cause eviction rules in Alameda County, CA, sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances, list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.

Key Facts

Law
AB 1482 just cause protection
Threshold
12 months continuous tenancy
No-fault Relocation
One months rent assistance required
Help
Bay Area Legal Aid (510) 663-4744

Summary

Alameda County unincorporated areas are covered by AB 1482 just cause eviction rules requiring landlords to cite a specific lawful reason for terminating tenancies over 12 months.

City-specific rules exist: Hayward, Oakland, Fremont, Livermore, Berkeley, and San Leandro have their own just cause eviction rules that differ from Alameda County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

(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 the tenancy without just cause, which shall be stated in the written notice to terminate tenancy. ... (b) For purposes of this section, "just cause" includes either of the following: (1) At-fault just cause, which is any of the following: (A) Default in the payment of rent. (B) A breach of a material term of the lease...

Source: CA AB 1482 Tenant Protection ActView official code

Full Breakdown

California AB 1482 provides just cause eviction protections for tenants in Alameda County unincorporated areas who have occupied a rental for 12 months or longer (or 24 months for units with multiple tenants where one has been there 24+ months). At-fault causes include non-payment of rent, lease violations, nuisance, and criminal activity. No-fault causes require relocation assistance equal to one months rent or waiver of the final months rent and include owner move-in, withdrawal from the rental market under the Ellis Act, government order to vacate, and substantial remodel. Landlords must provide written notice with the specific reason. Violations can void the eviction. Contact ECHO Fair Housing or Bay Area Legal Aid for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my landlord evict me without cause?
Only during the first 12 months of tenancy. After that, AB 1482 requires a specific at-fault or no-fault just cause reason in writing.
What relocation assistance do I get for a no-fault eviction?
AB 1482 requires landlords to pay relocation assistance equal to one months rent or waive the final months rent for no-fault terminations.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Alameda County

All Alameda County rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Alameda County to another location·View the California rental property rules overview

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Just Cause Eviction in Cities Across Alameda County