Just cause eviction rules in Santa Cruz, CA — sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances — list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
California Civil Code §1946.2 (AB 1482) provides just-cause eviction protection for covered tenants after 12 months of occupancy. Santa Cruz Code §21.07.010 extends those protections to Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher holders.
AB 1482 requires landlords to state a specific just-cause reason (rent default, breach, criminal activity, refusal to renew, etc.) or no-fault reason (owner move-in, withdrawal, demolition, substantial remodel). No-fault evictions require relocation assistance equal to one month's rent. Section 8 tenants in Santa Cruz get the same protections under §21.07.010, including the relocation assistance covering both tenant and voucher portions.
Affirmative defense to unlawful detainer per §21.07.020. Tenants may sue for injunctive relief, actual damages, attorneys' fees, and treble damages for willful violations.
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