San Mateo County, CA Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)
Just cause eviction rules in San Mateo County, CA, sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances, list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Key Facts
- State Law
- Civil Code §1946.2
- Trigger
- After 12 months tenancy
- Relocation
- One month rent for no-fault
- Owner Move-In
- 12+ month occupancy required
- Local Ordinance
- None in unincorporated
Summary
Unincorporated San Mateo County applies California's statewide just-cause eviction protections under AB 1482 (Civil Code §1946.2). After 12 months of tenancy, landlords must state an at-fault or no-fault reason. No-fault evictions require one month's rent in 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.
Full Breakdown
Tenants in unincorporated San Mateo County (North Fair Oaks, West Menlo Park, Emerald Hills, Midcoast, Coastside) are covered by California Civil Code §1946.2 just-cause eviction after 12 months of continuous occupancy (24 months if any tenant has lived there less than 12). At-fault causes include: nonpayment of rent, material lease breach, nuisance, criminal activity, assigning/subletting without permission, and refusing lawful entry. No-fault causes include owner or qualifying relative move-in (must occupy 12+ months), withdrawal from rental market (Ellis Act), government-ordered vacancy, and substantial remodel requiring permits and 30+ days vacancy. No-fault evictions require relocation assistance equal to one month's rent OR a waiver of the final month's rent. Owner move-in requires written notice naming the occupant and the relationship. Exemptions mirror AB 1482 rent cap exemptions (new construction under 15 years, single-family homes if properly noticed, etc.).
Violations & Fines
Wrongful eviction: tenant may recover actual damages, treble damages for willful violation, and attorneys' fees under Civil Code §1946.2(h). No-fault without relocation assistance: eviction void. Retaliatory eviction prohibited under Civil Code §1942.5 (treble damages possible).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are typical penalties for violating just cause eviction rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Mateo County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Mateo County to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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