Huntington Beach, CA Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)
Just cause eviction rules in Huntington Beach, 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 (Tenant Protection Act)
- Threshold
- 12 months occupancy
- Relocation (No-Fault)
- 1 month's rent
- Exemptions
- SFR, newer construction
Summary
Huntington Beach does not have a local just cause eviction ordinance. Properties are governed by California's statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) which provides just cause eviction protections for tenants in qualifying units after 12 months of occupancy.
(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.
(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, 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.
Full Breakdown
Huntington Beach relies on California's statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), effective January 1, 2020, for just cause eviction protections. Under AB 1482, landlords must have a valid reason to evict tenants who have occupied a unit for 12 months or more. Just cause categories include at-fault reasons (nonpayment, lease violations, criminal activity) and no-fault reasons (owner move-in, substantial renovation, withdrawal from rental market). No-fault evictions require relocation assistance equal to one month's rent. Exemptions include single-family homes owned by natural persons (with proper notice), newer construction (15 years or less), and certain other categories.
Violations & Fines
Evictions without just cause for qualifying tenants violate state law. Tenants may seek remedies including damages and reinstatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Huntington Beach have just cause eviction?
What is considered just cause for eviction?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Huntington Beach
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Just Cause Eviction in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle just cause eviction.