Orange, CA Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)
Just cause eviction rules in Orange, CA, sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances, list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Key Facts
- Local Ordinance
- None: state law applies
- State Law
- AB 1482 (Civil Code §1946.2)
- Relocation Assist
- 1 month rent (no-fault)
- Applies After
- 12 months tenancy
Summary
The City of Orange does not have a local just cause eviction ordinance. Tenants are protected by California's statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), which requires just cause for evicting tenants who have occupied a unit for 12 or more months.
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.
(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.
Full Breakdown
Orange does not have its own just cause eviction ordinance. However, California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482, Civil Code Section 1946.2) applies to most rental properties in the city built more than 15 years ago. Under AB 1482, landlords must provide a legally recognized reason (just cause) to terminate a tenancy once a tenant has occupied the unit for 12 months. At-fault just causes include nonpayment of rent, breach of lease, and criminal activity. No-fault just causes include owner move-in, substantial remodeling, and withdrawal from the rental market (Ellis Act). For no-fault evictions, landlords must provide relocation assistance equal to one month's rent. Exemptions include single-family homes owned by natural persons (not corporations) who provide proper notice of exemption, and properties less than 15 years old.
Violations & Fines
Illegal evictions without just cause may result in tenant lawsuits, damages, attorney fees, and potential penalties under the Tenant Protection Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Orange have just cause eviction protections?
What is a no-fault eviction?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Orange
California rules heatmap·Compare Orange to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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Just Cause Eviction in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle just cause eviction.