Fresno, CA Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)
Just cause eviction rules in Fresno, 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: state AB 1482 applies
- Qualification
- Tenants with 12+ months occupancy
- At-Fault Causes
- Nonpayment, lease violation, nuisance, criminal activity
- No-Fault Causes
- Owner move-in, substantial renovation, Ellis Act
- Relocation Assistance
- One month's rent for no-fault evictions
Summary
Fresno does not have a local just-cause eviction ordinance, but the statewide AB 1482 provides just-cause eviction protections for tenants who have occupied a unit for 12 or more months. Landlords of covered properties cannot terminate tenancies without a legally recognized reason, categorized as at-fault (lease violations, nonpayment) or no-fault (owner move-in, substantial renovation, withdrawal from rental market). No-fault evictions require relocation assistance equal to one month's rent.
(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. 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
At-fault causes include failure to pay rent, breach of lease terms, nuisance, criminal activity, and refusal to sign a lease renewal on substantially similar terms. No-fault causes include owner or family member move-in, withdrawal from the rental market (Ellis Act), substantial remodeling requiring vacancy, and government order to vacate. For no-fault evictions, landlords must provide relocation assistance of one month's rent or waive the final month's rent. The same exemptions as the rent cap provisions apply.
Violations & Fines
Wrongful evictions in violation of AB 1482 may result in the tenant recovering actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney's fees. Courts may also award reinstatement of the tenancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my landlord evict me without a reason in Fresno?
What relocation assistance am I entitled to?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fresno
California rules heatmap·Compare Fresno to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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Just Cause Eviction in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fresno County handle just cause eviction.