Sunnyvale, CA Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)
Just cause eviction rules in Sunnyvale, CA, sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances, list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Key Facts
- Applies after
- 12 months of occupancy
- State law
- AB 1482 (CC 1946.2)
- No-fault relocation
- One month rent assistance
- Exemptions
- New construction, SFH individually owned
- Local rent board
- None - state law only
Summary
Sunnyvale tenants are protected by California AB 1482 just cause eviction requirements. Landlords must state an allowable reason for eviction after 12 months of occupancy.
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.
Full Breakdown
California Civil Code 1946.2 (AB 1482) applies to most rental units in Sunnyvale and requires landlords to have just cause to terminate a tenancy after a tenant has continuously occupied the unit for 12 months. Just cause falls into two categories: at-fault (such as nonpayment of rent, breach of lease, nuisance, or criminal activity) and no-fault (such as owner move-in, withdrawal from rental market, government order, or substantial remodel). No-fault terminations require relocation assistance equal to one month of rent or a rent waiver. Single-family homes owned by individuals (not corporations or REITs) and units built within the last 15 years may be exempt if proper notice is provided. The City of Sunnyvale does not have its own local just cause ordinance but enforces state protections. Tenants facing eviction should contact Project Sentinel or Santa Clara County Housing Authority for free counseling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sunnyvale have its own just cause ordinance?
When does just cause protection begin?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sunnyvale
California rules heatmap·Compare Sunnyvale to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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Just Cause Eviction in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle just cause eviction.