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Garden Grove, CA Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)

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

Just cause eviction rules in Garden Grove, 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 law applies)
State Law
AB 1482 (Civil Code 1946.2)
Applies After
12 months of tenancy
Relocation Assistance
1 month rent for no-fault
Sunset Date
January 1, 2030

Summary

Garden Grove rental properties are subject to California's just cause eviction protections under AB 1482 (Civil Code Section 1946.2). Landlords cannot terminate tenancies of 12 months or more without a legally recognized reason. At-fault causes include nonpayment and lease violations; no-fault causes require relocation assistance.

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.

(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.

(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.

Source: California Civil Code Section 1946.2 (AB 1482)View official code

Full Breakdown

Garden Grove does not have a local just cause eviction ordinance. 2), which requires landlords to have a legally recognized reason to terminate a tenancy of 12 months or more. At-fault just causes include: nonpayment of rent after written notice; material breach of the lease; nuisance; criminal activity on the premises; refusal to allow lawful entry; subletting in violation of the lease; refusal to execute a renewed lease with similar terms; and failure to deliver possession of an unpermitted sublet. No-fault just causes include: owner or family member move-in; withdrawal of the unit from the rental market under the Ellis Act; compliance with a government order requiring vacancy; and substantial remodeling requiring temporary vacancy.

For no-fault evictions, landlords must provide relocation assistance equal to one month's rent or waive the final month's rent. The same exemptions that apply to AB 1482 rent caps also apply to just cause protections. Tenants who have resided for less than 12 months are not covered by just cause requirements.

Violations & Fines

Evictions without just cause are void. Tenants may file an unlawful detainer defense or civil lawsuit for wrongful eviction. Remedies include reinstatement, damages, and attorney's fees. Tenants can contact Legal Aid Society of Orange County for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my landlord evict me without a reason in Garden Grove?
If you have lived in your unit for 12 months or more and the property is covered by AB 1482, your landlord must have a legally recognized just cause to terminate your tenancy. Covered reasons include nonpayment of rent, lease violations, owner move-in, and substantial remodeling.
What relocation assistance am I entitled to for a no-fault eviction in Garden Grove?
For no-fault evictions such as owner move-in or withdrawal from the rental market, your landlord must provide relocation assistance equal to one month's rent or waive your final month's rent.
Are all rental properties in Garden Grove covered by just cause eviction?
No. Exempt properties include single-family homes owned by natural persons with proper notice, units less than 15 years old, owner-occupied duplexes, and affordable housing. Tenancies under 12 months are also not covered.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Garden Grove

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