Newport Beach, CA Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)
Just cause eviction rules in Newport Beach, CA, sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances, list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Key Facts
- Applies After
- 12 months of tenancy
- Relocation Assistance
- One month rent for no-fault
- Local Ordinance
- None beyond state law
- Exempt Properties
- SFH with notice, new builds
Summary
Newport Beach rental properties are subject to California's statewide just cause eviction protections under AB 1482 (Civil Code Section 1946.2). Landlords may not terminate tenancies of 12 months or longer without stating a qualifying reason. At-fault causes include nonpayment of rent, lease violations, and nuisance. No-fault causes include owner move-in and substantial remodel, requiring relocation assistance.
(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.
(C) Maintaining, committing, or permitting the maintenance or commission of a nuisance as described in paragraph (4) of Section 1161 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
(D) Committing waste as described in paragraph (4) of Section 1161 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
(E) The tenant had a written lease that terminated on or after January 1, 2020, or January 1, 2022, if the lease is for a tenancy in a mobilehome, and after a written request or demand from the owner, the tenant has refused to execute a written extension or renewal of the lease for an additional term of similar duration with similar provisions, provided that those terms do not violate this section or any other provision of law.
(F) Criminal activity by the tenant on the residential real property, including any common areas, or any criminal activity or criminal threat, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 422 of the Penal Code, on or off the residential real property, that is directed at any owner or agent of the owner of the residential real property.
(G) Assigning or subletting the premises in violation of the tenant’s lease, as described in paragraph (4) of Section 1161 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
(H) The tenant’s refusal to allow the owner to enter the residential real property as authorized by Sections 1101.5 and 1954 of this code, and Sections 13113.7 and 17926.1 of the Health and Safety Code.
(I) Using the premises for an unlawful purpose as described in paragraph (4) of Section 1161 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
Full Breakdown
California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) requires just cause for eviction of tenants who have occupied a rental unit for 12 months or more, or all tenants in the unit for more than 24 months since the tenancy began. Newport Beach has no additional local just cause eviction ordinance beyond state law. At-fault just causes include nonpayment of rent after proper notice, material breach of the lease, nuisance, criminal activity, refusal to execute a renewed lease on substantially similar terms, and subletting in violation of the lease.
No-fault just causes include owner or immediate family member move-in, withdrawal of the unit from the rental market under the Ellis Act, compliance with a government order to vacate, and intent to substantially remodel. For no-fault evictions, landlords must provide relocation assistance equal to one month's rent paid directly to the tenant or waive the final month's rent. The 12-month tenancy threshold means new tenants are not protected during their first year. Exempt properties include single-family homes with proper exemption notice, owner-occupied duplexes, and housing built within the last 15 years. Termination notices must state the specific just cause relied upon.
Violations & Fines
Evictions that fail to state a valid just cause are voidable. Tenants may assert AB 1482 as a defense in unlawful detainer proceedings. Landlords who violate just cause requirements may be liable for actual damages, punitive damages in cases of bad faith, and attorney fees. Tenants wrongfully evicted under a no-fault cause who are not provided relocation assistance may recover the amount owed plus additional damages.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does just cause eviction protection apply in Newport Beach?
What relocation assistance is required for no-fault evictions?
Can a landlord evict without cause during the first year of tenancy?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Newport Beach
California rules heatmap·Compare Newport Beach to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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