San Bernardino, CA Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)

San Bernardino has not enacted a stand-alone local just cause ordinance, so state law under the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482, Civil Code 1946.2) governs most rental housing in the city. The statute applies to tenancies where at least one tenant has occupied the unit for 12 months, or 24 months if an additional tenant has been added. Exempt housing includes single-family homes and condos when the owner is not a REIT or corporation and has served the Civil Code 1946.2(e)(8) notice, duplexes where the owner occupies one unit, new construction issued a certificate of occupancy within the last 15 years, and dorms. For covered units the landlord must identify the just cause in the written termination notice. At-fault just causes include default in rent, material lease breach after notice to cure, nuisance or damage, criminal activity on the premises, subletting in violation of the lease, refusal to sign a materially similar lease, and refusal to provide access. No-fault causes include owner or close family move-in when the lease permits it, withdrawal from the rental market under Ellis, a government order to vacate, or substantial remodel requiring permits and at least 30 days of displacement. For any no-fault termination the landlord must pay relocation assistance equal to one month of rent or waive the final month of rent, and must serve the written offer within 15 days of the notice. Tenants in San Bernardino can file complaints with the California Department of Justice Housing Strike Force or pursue civil remedies including treble damages for wrongful eviction.