Just cause eviction rules in San Jose, CA — sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances — list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
San Jose's Ellis Act and Tenant Protection Ordinance under SJMC Chapter 17.23 requires just cause for eviction of tenants in rent-stabilized units. Landlords must demonstrate one of the enumerated just cause grounds including nonpayment of rent, breach of lease, nuisance, illegal use, owner move-in, or withdrawal from the rental market (Ellis Act). Additionally, California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) provides just cause eviction protections statewide for tenancies of 12+ months in covered properties.
For at-fault evictions, landlords must provide proper notice and opportunity to cure (for curable violations). For no-fault evictions such as owner move-in or substantial rehabilitation, landlords must provide relocation assistance. The Ellis Act withdrawal requires a minimum 120-day notice period. The City monitors compliance and tenants can file complaints with the Rent Stabilization Program.
Wrongful evictions can result in significant civil liability including damages, attorney's fees, and penalties. The City may investigate complaints of retaliatory or bad-faith evictions.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how other cities in Santa Clara County handle just cause eviction.
See how San Jose's just cause eviction rules stack up against other locations.
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