Just cause eviction rules in Santa Monica, CA — sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances — list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Santa Monica enforces strict just-cause eviction protections. Tenants may only be evicted for enumerated at-fault or no-fault reasons. No-fault evictions require relocation assistance. Ordinance 2776 (2024) expanded anti-discrimination and harassment protections.
Santa Monica 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 Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle just cause eviction.
See how Santa Monica's just cause eviction rules stack up against other locations.
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