Hayward, CA Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)
Just cause eviction rules in Hayward, CA, sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances, list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Key Facts
- Tenure trigger
- 12 months occupancy
- Relocation
- One month rent for no-fault
- State backstop
- Civil Code 1946.2
- Administered by
- Hayward Rent Review Program
Summary
Hayward's Residential Rent Stabilization Ordinance and California AB 1482 require landlords to state an approved just cause to terminate most residential tenancies after 12 months.
(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
Full Breakdown
Hayward's Residential Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protection Ordinance (RRSO) plus California Civil Code 1946.2 (AB 1482) require landlords of covered units to provide a written notice citing a specific just cause to end a tenancy once the tenant has lived there 12 months (or 24 months if an adult was added later). Allowed at-fault causes include nonpayment, material lease breach, nuisance, criminal activity, and refusal to allow lawful entry. No-fault causes include owner or relative move-in, withdrawal from the rental market under Ellis Act, compliance with a government order, and substantial remodel. No-fault terminations require relocation assistance equal to one month of rent or a rent waiver. Landlords must serve proper written notice and file copies with the Hayward Rent Review Program. Exemptions include single-family homes owned by non-corporate landlords, owner-occupied duplexes, hotels, and newer construction under 15 years old. Violations can void the termination and expose owners to damages and attorney fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do single-family rentals qualify?
Is relocation assistance always required?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hayward
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Just Cause Eviction in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle just cause eviction.