Just cause eviction rules in Mission Viejo, CA — sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances — list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Mission Viejo follows California's just cause eviction protections under AB 1482. After 12 months of occupancy, tenants in qualifying properties can only be evicted for at-fault reasons (nonpayment, lease violation) or no-fault reasons (owner move-in, demolition) with relocation assistance.
Under California Civil Code 1946.2, tenants who have occupied a qualifying rental unit for 12 months or more can only be evicted for just cause. At-fault causes include nonpayment of rent, breach of lease terms, nuisance, criminal activity, refusal to allow lawful entry, subletting without permission, or refusal to sign a substantially similar renewal lease. No-fault causes include owner or family member move-in, withdrawal from rental market (Ellis Act), substantial rehabilitation, compliance with government order, and demolition. 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 the rent cap apply here: single-family homes with proper notice, owner-occupied duplexes, and buildings less than 15 years old. Three-day notice to pay or quit applies for nonpayment. Unlawful detainer must be filed in Orange County Superior Court. Contact Code Enforcement at (949) 470-3054.
Evictions without just cause are void for qualifying tenancies. Tenants may raise just cause as an affirmative defense in unlawful detainer proceedings. Wrongful eviction can result in actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal under Civil Code 789.3.
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