Just cause eviction rules in Santa Ana, CA — sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances — list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Santa Ana enforces just cause eviction protections under both its local ordinance and California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482). Landlords of covered residential units must state a legally valid reason for terminating a tenancy. Just cause includes at-fault reasons such as non-payment of rent and no-fault reasons such as owner move-in or substantial renovation.
Santa Ana 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.
Wrongful eviction: tenant may sue for damages and relocation costs. No-fault eviction without relocation payment: fines $5,000 to $15,000. Retaliatory eviction: treble damages possible.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle just cause eviction.
See how Santa Ana's just cause eviction rules stack up against other locations.
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