Fontana, CA Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)
Just cause eviction rules in Fontana, CA, sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances, list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Key Facts
- Local just-cause ordinance
- None adopted
- State law applies
- AB 1482 / Civil Code 1946.2
- Occupancy threshold
- 12+ months continuous
- No-fault relocation
- 1 month rent or waiver
Summary
Fontana follows California AB 1482 (Civil Code 1946.2) just-cause eviction protections. No separate local ordinance adds to state rules. Landlords must state at-fault or no-fault cause in writing.
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.
(b) For purposes of this section, “just cause” means either of the following:
(1) At-fault just cause, which means any of the following:
(A) Default in the payment of rent.
(B) A breach of a material term of the lease, as described in paragraph (3) of Section 1161 of the Code of Civil Procedure, including, but not limited to, violation of a provision of the lease after being issued a written notice to correct the violation.
(C) Maintaining, committing, or permitting the maintenance or commission of a nuisance as described in paragraph (4) of Section 1161 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
(D) Committing waste as described in paragraph (4) of Section 1161 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
(F) Criminal activity by the tenant on the residential real property, including any common areas, or any criminal activity or criminal threat, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 422 of the Penal Code, on or off the residential real property, that is directed at any owner or agent of the owner of the residential real property.
(G) Assigning or subletting the premises in violation of the tenant’s lease, as described in paragraph (4) of Section 1161 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
(H) The tenant’s refusal to allow the owner to enter the residential real property as authorized by Sections 1101.5 and 1954 of this code, and Sections 13113.7 and 17926.1 of the Health and Safety Code.
(I) Using the premises for an unlawful purpose as described in paragraph (4) of Section 1161 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
(2) No-fault just cause, which means any of the following:
(A) (i) Intent to occupy the residential real property by the owner or the owner’s spouse, domestic partner, children, grandchildren, parents, or grandparents for a minimum of 12 continuous months as that person’s primary residence.
(B) Withdrawal of the residential real property from the rental market.
(D) (i) Intent to demolish or to substantially remodel the residential real property.
Full Breakdown
Fontana has not adopted its own just-cause eviction ordinance, so renters are protected by statewide AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act of 2019). The law applies to units occupied 12 months or longer that are not exempt. Exempt properties include single-family homes owned by non-corporate landlords (with proper written notice), condos, and buildings built within the last 15 years. Covered landlords may only terminate tenancy for at-fault reasons like nonpayment of rent, lease violations, criminal activity, or refusal to renew a similar lease, or for no-fault reasons such as owner move-in, substantial remodel, government order, or intent to withdraw the unit from the rental market. No-fault terminations require relocation assistance equal to one month of rent or a rent waiver. Notices must clearly state the cause. Retaliatory and discriminatory evictions remain prohibited under Civil Code 1942.5 and fair housing law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fontana have its own just-cause ordinance?
Are single-family homes covered?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fontana
California rules heatmap·Compare Fontana to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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Just Cause Eviction in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle just cause eviction.