San Diego, CA Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)
Just cause eviction rules in San Diego, CA, sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances, list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- SDMC §98.0704
- At-Fault
- Nonpayment, lease violations, nuisance, criminal activity
- No-Fault
- Owner/family move-in, market withdrawal, substantial remodel
- Penalty
- 3x actual damages for wrongful eviction
- Registry
- Termination notices to SDHC within 3 business days
Summary
SDMC §98.0704 prohibits landlords from terminating tenancy without just cause, effective immediately upon commencement of tenancy. At-fault causes include nonpayment of rent, lease violations, nuisance, property damage, refusal to renew lease, and criminal activity. No-fault causes include owner move-in, family member move-in, withdrawal from rental market, and substantial remodel. Wrongful eviction penalties include 3x actual economic damages. Landlords must register termination notices with the San Diego Housing Commission within 3 business days.
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.
Full Breakdown
San Diego may enforce just cause eviction protections that require landlords to have a legitimate reason to evict tenants. Valid causes typically include non-payment of rent, lease violations, nuisance behavior, illegal activity, owner move-in, and substantial renovation requiring vacancy. No-fault evictions for owner move-in or renovation may require relocation assistance payments. Tenants have the right to contest evictions in court. Just cause requirements often apply after a tenant has occupied the unit for a minimum period, typically 12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my landlord evict me without cause?
What happens if my landlord evicts me without just cause?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
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Just Cause Eviction in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle just cause eviction.