Ontario, CA Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)
Just cause eviction rules in Ontario, CA, sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances, list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Civil Code 1946.2 (AB 1482)
- Trigger
- After 12 months of occupancy
- No-fault relocation
- 1 month rent or waiver
- Local ordinance
- None; state law controls
- Contact
- Ontario City Hall (909) 395-2000
Summary
Ontario follows California AB 1482 (Civil Code 1946.2), requiring landlords to provide just cause to terminate tenancy after 12 months of occupancy, with relocation assistance for no-fault evictions.
Civil Code - CIV. 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. (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. (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. (2) No-fault just cause, which means any of the following: (A) (i) Intent to occupy the residential real property by the owner or the owner's spouse, domestic partner, children, grandchildren, parents, or grandparents for a minimum of 12 continuous months as that person's primary residence. (B) Withdrawal of the residential real property from the rental market. (D) (i) Intent to demolish or to substantially remodel the residential real property.
Full Breakdown
2. Once a tenant has occupied a unit for 12 months (or 24 months where an additional adult is added), the landlord may terminate tenancy only for at-fault reasons (nonpayment of rent, lease breach, nuisance, criminal activity) or no-fault reasons (owner or relative move-in, substantial remodel, withdrawal from market, or compliance with a government order). For any no-fault termination, the landlord must pay the tenant one month of rent in relocation assistance or waive the final month of rent, and must serve a written notice citing the specific just cause basis.
Exemptions apply to single-family homes owned by individuals (not corporations) if proper notice is given, newly constructed housing less than 15 years old, and owner-occupied duplexes. Before filing an unlawful detainer for a curable lease violation, the landlord must serve a 3-day notice to cure. 2(h).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Ontario landlord evict me without a reason?
Is my single-family home covered by just cause?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ontario
California rules heatmap·Compare Ontario to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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Just Cause Eviction in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle just cause eviction.