Napa, CA Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)
Just cause eviction rules in Napa, CA, sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances, list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Key Facts
- Local Just-Cause
- None; AB 1482 only
- Trigger
- 12 months continuous occupancy
- Relocation
- 1 month rent for no-fault
- Statute
- Civil Code Section 1946.2
- Exemption Notice
- Lease addendum required
Summary
The City of Napa has no local just-cause eviction ordinance, so the statewide Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482, Civil Code Section 1946.2) controls. After 12 months of continuous occupancy by the tenant, a landlord may terminate tenancy only for at-fault cause (non-payment, breach, nuisance, criminal activity) or no-fault cause (owner move-in, withdrawal from the rental market, substantial remodel, government order). No-fault terminations require relocation assistance equal to one month of rent, or written waiver of the final month's rent.
(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. ... (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 ... (C) Maintaining, committing, or permitting the maintenance or commission of a nuisance ... (F) Criminal activity by the tenant on the residential real property ...
Full Breakdown
' At-fault causes include default in payment of rent, material breach of the lease after written cure notice, commission of waste, criminal activity on the premises, refusal to execute a similar lease, or refusal to allow lawful entry. No-fault causes are limited to (1) intent to occupy by the owner or a close family member, (2) withdrawal of the unit from the rental market, (3) compliance with a government order or local ordinance requiring vacancy, or (4) intent to demolish or substantially remodel. 2(d). 2(f). The City of Napa has not enacted any supplemental local just-cause ordinance.
Violations & Fines
A landlord who terminates a covered Napa tenancy without just cause, or who fails to pay required relocation assistance, may be liable in Napa County Superior Court for actual damages, treble damages, and attorney fees if the violation is willful (Section 1946.2(h)). Tenants commonly assert AB 1482 as a defense to unlawful detainer actions. The California Attorney General's Office investigates patterns of violation, and Legal Aid of Napa Valley handles tenant referrals; the City of Napa itself does not enforce AB 1482 administratively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Napa landlord evict without a reason?
What relocation payment do I receive for a no-fault eviction in Napa?
Does the City of Napa have tenant protections beyond AB 1482?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Napa
California rules heatmap·Compare Napa to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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