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Santa Clara County, CA Rental Property Rules: Relocation Assistance (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

State law
Cal. Civ. Code §1946.2
Standard relocation
One month of rent
Ellis Act notice
120 days; 1 year senior/disabled
County code
No SCC unincorporated rule
Stronger cities
San Jose; Mountain View

Summary

Santa Clara County has no countywide relocation ordinance for unincorporated areas. State law controls: AB-1482 requires one month of rent for no-fault terminations and the Ellis Act adds extra pay for elderly or disabled tenants.

City-specific rules exist: San Jose has its own relocation assistance rules that differ from Santa Clara County's county-level regulations. If you live in San Jose, check the city-specific page instead.

(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. (b)(2) No-fault just cause, which means any of the following: (A)(i) Intent to occupy the residential real property by the owner or the owner's spouse, domestic partner, children, grandchildren, parents, or grandparents for a minimum of 12 continuous months as the person's primary residence.

Source: California Civil Code §1946.2 (AB-1482 Relocation)View official code

Full Breakdown

Unincorporated Santa Clara County rental units default to California Civil Code §1946.2 (the Tenant Protection Act of 2019, AB-1482) for no-fault relocation. Landlords ending a tenancy for owner move-in, substantial remodel, demolition, or government order must pay one month of the tenant's rent or waive the final month's rent. Withdrawing units from the rental market triggers extra duties under the Ellis Act, Cal. Gov. Code §7060, including a one-year notice for elderly or disabled tenants and right-of-first-refusal language. Several Santa Clara cities (San Jose, Mountain View, Cupertino) have stronger local rules that override these baselines inside their borders.

Violations & Fines

Failing to pay relocation or include the AB-1482 notice voids the eviction and exposes the landlord to actual damages, attorney fees, and treble damages where bad faith is proven.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much relocation pay do I get in unincorporated Santa Clara County?
AB-1482 requires the equivalent of one month of rent, paid as direct relocation or as a waiver of the final month's rent. The choice belongs to the landlord, not the tenant.
Does the Ellis Act apply to my landlord?
Yes, if the owner is permanently withdrawing all units in the building from the rental market. The act requires extended notice for elderly and disabled tenants and right-of-first-refusal terms for several years.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Santa Clara County

Security Deposit RulesFew RestrictionsJust Cause EvictionHeavy RestrictionsRepairs & HabitabilitySome RestrictionsNo-Fault EvictionsSome RestrictionsTenant Anti-HarassmentFew RestrictionsRent ControlSome RestrictionsPass-Through ChargesSome RestrictionsSource-of-Income DiscriminationHeavy Restrictions

All Santa Clara County rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara County to another location·View the California rental property rules overview

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Relocation Assistance in Cities Across Santa Clara County

San Jose, CASunnyvale, CASanta Clara, CAMountain View, CAPalo Alto, CA