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Sacramento, CA Rental Property Rules: Relocation Assistance (2026)

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

Key Facts

Base payment
One month rent
Vulnerable household add-on
Additional month
Delivery timing
With termination notice
Code section
Title 5 Ch. 5.156
State parallel
AB 1482 / Civ 1946.2

Summary

Sacramento requires landlords to pay relocation assistance equal to roughly two months of rent when terminating a tenancy for no-fault reasons such as owner move-in, withdrawal, or substantial remodel under the Tenant Protection Act.

(vi) (I) If the intended occupant fails to occupy the rental unit within 90 days after the tenant vacates or fails to occupy the rental unit as their primary residence for at least 12 consecutive months, the owner shall offer the unit to the tenant who vacated it at the same rent and lease terms in effect at the time the tenant vacated and shall reimburse the tenant for reasonable moving expenses incurred in excess of any relocation assistance that was paid to the tenant in connection with the written notice. (II) If the intended occupant moves into the rental unit within 90 days after the tenant vacates, but dies before having occupied the rental unit as a primary residence for 12 months, as required by clause (vi), this will not be consid

Source: Sacramento City CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

The Sacramento Tenant Protection & Relief Act (Title 5 Chapter 5.156) requires landlords issuing a no-fault termination, including owner or relative move-in, government-ordered vacancy, withdrawal from the rental market, or substantial remodel, to pay relocation assistance equal to one month of rent or waive the final month, plus an additional month if the household includes seniors, disabled tenants, or minors. Payment must be delivered with the termination notice. The local rule layers atop AB 1482's parallel requirement and applies broadly to covered units, including many properties that are state-exempt but locally covered.

Violations & Fines

Failing to provide relocation payment with the no-fault notice voids the termination, creates an affirmative defense to eviction, and may expose the landlord to actual damages plus attorney's fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is relocation assistance owed?
On any no-fault termination such as owner move-in, removal from the rental market, government-mandated vacancy, or substantial remodel of a covered unit under the Sacramento Tenant Protection Act.
Can I deduct unpaid rent from the relocation payment?
Generally no. Relocation assistance is a statutory benefit separate from any security-deposit accounting and must be tendered with the termination notice.

Sources & Official References

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