Sacramento County, CA Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)
Just cause eviction rules in Sacramento 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
- AB 1482 / Civil Code 1946.2
- Tenancy Trigger
- 12+ months
- No-Fault Relocation
- One month rent
- Rent Cap
- 5 percent plus CPI, max 10 percent
- Local Layer
- No county ordinance
Summary
Unincorporated Sacramento County follows California AB 1482 (Civil Code 1946.2) just cause eviction rules. No additional county-level tenant protection ordinance beyond state law.
(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.
(I) Using the premises for an unlawful purpose as described in paragraph (4) of Section 1161 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
(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
Rental units in unincorporated Sacramento County are governed by California Civil Code 1946.2 (AB 1482, the Tenant Protection Act of 2019). After 12 months of continuous tenancy, landlords must have at-fault or no-fault just cause to terminate tenancy. No-fault causes (owner move-in, withdrawal from market, substantial remodel, government order) require relocation assistance equal to one month of rent. Single-family homes owned by individuals (not corporations or REITs) and properties built within the last 15 years are generally exempt. The county has not adopted a separate local just cause ordinance layered on top of state law.
Violations & Fines
Tenants may sue for wrongful eviction; treble damages available for willful violations. California Department of Real Estate complaints also possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AB 1482 cover my unincorporated Sacramento County rental?
Can the county impose stricter rent control?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento County
California rules heatmap·Compare Sacramento County to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.