Santa Clara, CA Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)
Just cause eviction rules in Santa Clara, 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
- None beyond state law
- State law
- AB 1482 / Civil Code 1946.2
- Tenancy threshold
- 12 months for just cause
- Relocation assistance
- 1 month rent for no-fault
- Exemptions
- SFH, buildings under 15 years
Summary
Santa Clara does not have a local just cause eviction ordinance, but state AB 1482 (Civil Code 1946.2) applies to most rentals over 15 years old and requires just cause for eviction after 12 months of tenancy.
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.
(b) For purposes of this section, “just cause” means either of the following:
(1) At-fault just cause, which means any of the following:
(A) Default in the payment of rent.
(B) A breach of a material term of the lease, as described in paragraph (3) of Section 1161 of the Code of Civil Procedure, including, but not limited to, violation of a provision of the lease after being issued a written notice to correct the violation.
(C) Maintaining, committing, or permitting the maintenance or commission of a nuisance as described in paragraph (4) of Section 1161 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
(D) Committing waste as described in paragraph (4) of Section 1161 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
(E) The tenant had a written lease that terminated on or after January 1, 2020, or January 1, 2022, if the lease is for a tenancy in a mobilehome, and after a written request or demand from the owner, the tenant has refused to execute a written extension or renewal of the lease for an additional term of similar duration with similar provisions, provided that those terms do not violate this section or any other provision of law.
(F) Criminal activity by the tenant on the residential real property, including any common areas, or any criminal activity or criminal threat, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 422 of the Penal Code, on or off the residential real property, that is directed at any owner or agent of the owner of the residential real property.
(G) Assigning or subletting the premises in violation of the tenant’s lease, as described in paragraph (4) of Section 1161 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
(H) The tenant’s refusal to allow the owner to enter the residential real property as authorized by Sections 1101.5 and 1954 of this code, and Sections 13113.7 and 17926.1 of the Health and Safety Code.
(I) Using the premises for an unlawful purpose as described in paragraph (4) of Section 1161 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
(J) The employee, agent, or licensee’s failure to vacate after their termination as an employee, agent, or a licensee as described in paragraph (1) of Section 1161 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
(K) When the tenant fails to deliver possession of the residential real property after providing the owner written notice as provided in Section 1946 of the tenant’s intention to terminate the hiring of the real property, or makes a written offer to surrender that is accepted in writing by the owner, but fails to deliver possession at the time specified in that written notice as described in paragraph (5) of Section 1161 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
Full Breakdown
The City of Santa Clara has not adopted a local just cause eviction ordinance beyond California state law. Tenants are protected under the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482, Civil Code 1946.2), which requires landlords to state a just cause for terminating tenancies of 12 months or more. At-fault reasons include nonpayment of rent, lease violations, nuisance, and criminal activity. No-fault reasons include owner move-in, withdrawal from rental market, government order, and substantial remodel. No-fault evictions require relocation assistance equal to one month of rent. Single-family homes (not corporately owned) and buildings under 15 years old are generally exempt. Landlords must include a notice of tenant rights in leases. The city does not operate a local rent board or tenant mediation program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Santa Clara have local just cause rules?
What qualifies as just cause?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara
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Just Cause Eviction in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle just cause eviction.