San Mateo, CA Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)
Just cause eviction rules in San Mateo, 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
- Ord. 2019-12: just cause
- Effective Date
- Retroactive to Oct 1, 2019
- At-Fault Causes
- Non-payment, breach, nuisance
- No-Fault Causes
- Owner move-in, renovation, withdrawal
- Relocation
- One month rent (no-fault)
Summary
San Mateo adopted an emergency just cause eviction ordinance (Ord. 2019-12) providing local protections that complement AB 1482. Landlords must cite a specific just cause for terminating tenancies of 12+ months. No-fault evictions require one month's rent as relocation assistance.
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: (A) All of the tenants have continuously and lawfully occupied the residential real property for 12 months or more.
Full Breakdown
The City of San Mateo adopted Emergency Ordinance No. 2019-12 establishing just cause eviction protections, retroactively effective October 1, 2019. This local ordinance provides protections consistent with and complementary to AB 1482. At-fault causes include non-payment of rent, nuisance, criminal activity, refusal to allow lawful entry, and material breach of the lease. No-fault causes include owner move-in, substantial renovation, demolition, withdrawal from rental market, and compliance with government orders. No-fault terminations require the landlord to pay one month's rent as relocation assistance or grant a rent waiver for the final month. The protections apply to tenants who have been continuously and lawfully occupying the property for 12 months. San Mateo's local ordinance ensures these protections remain even if AB 1482 is modified.
Violations & Fines
Terminating without just cause is subject to legal challenge. Tenants may recover damages including moving costs and rent differential. Retaliatory evictions prohibited under CC 1942.5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does San Mateo have just cause eviction protections?
What qualifies as just cause?
What relocation assistance is required?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Mateo
California rules heatmap·Compare San Mateo to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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Just Cause Eviction in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Mateo County handle just cause eviction.