Merced, CA Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)
Just cause eviction rules in Merced, CA, sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances, list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Key Facts
- Scope
- Only units damaged by Jan. 8, 2023 emergency
- Standard
- Just cause required to evict covered tenants
- No-fault grounds
- Owner move-in, Ellis Act, demolition, repairs
- Sunset
- 6 months after repairs to all units complete
- Enforcement
- Code enforcement; Chapter 1.10/1.11 citations
Summary
Merced requires just cause to end a tenancy in any rental unit damaged by the January 8, 2023 storm and flooding emergency. Landlords may still terminate for no-fault reasons like owner move-in, demolition, or code-ordered vacation, but arbitrary termination of a lawful tenant is barred under Chapter 9.75.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all rental units in whole or in part, that were damaged by the emergency that occurred on or about January 8, 2023. A landlord shall not terminate a residential tenancy without just cause, including at-fault just cause, of any tenant who lawfully occupies the property, regardless of the length of time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this section shall limit a Landlord's ability to terminate a residential tenancy for no-fault just cause, which includes any of the following reasons: ...2.The owner or a member of their immediate family intends to occupy the property. ...4.The owner intends to demolish, substantially remodel, or undertake necessary repairs to the property or unit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 85 - 1-26).
Full Breakdown
75 of the Merced Municipal Code, Displaced Tenant Protections, applies to rental units damaged in whole or in part by the emergency that occurred on or about January 8, 2023. 030 bars a landlord from terminating a residential tenancy without just cause, including at-fault just cause, regardless of how long the tenant has occupied the unit. ), and demolition, substantial remodel, or necessary repairs. 050. 2 on relocation assistance, is more protective, state law controls. 080 sunsets it six months after the city's chief building official determines repairs to all covered units are complete; it is not a permanent, citywide just-cause law reaching ordinary tenancies untouched by that disaster.
Violations & Fines
Tenants who believe a landlord violated the chapter may report the alleged violation to code enforcement under Section 9.75.060. Remedies under Section 9.75.070 include a correction notice or administrative citation under Chapter 1.10, or a compliance order and subsequent administrative order under Chapter 1.11, in addition to any other legal or equitable remedy available under state law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Merced have a general just-cause eviction law?
Can a Merced landlord evict a storm-displaced tenant to move in a relative?
What happens if a Merced landlord violates the displaced tenant chapter?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Merced
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