San Diego, CA Rental Property Rules: Relocation Assistance (2026)
Key Facts
- Code
- SDMC §98.0730
- Base payment
- Two months of rent
- Protected household bonus
- One additional month
- State backstop
- Cal. Gov Code §7060 (Ellis Act)
- Deadline
- Paid before move-out date
Summary
San Diego's Tenants' Right to Know Ordinance (SDMC §98) and California's Ellis Act require landlords ending a tenancy through no-fault grounds to pay relocation assistance equal to two months of rent, plus extra for protected households.
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.
Full Breakdown
Under SDMC §98.0730, a landlord ending a tenancy for no-fault reasons including owner move-in, withdrawal from the rental market, substantial remodel, or government order must pay the tenant two months of the contract rent as relocation assistance, plus one additional month if the household contains a senior aged 62 or older, a disabled person, a minor child, or a tenant below 80 percent of area median income. Payment is due before the move-out date. California Government Code §7060 (Ellis Act) layers on top whenever the entire building is withdrawn from the rental market, and triggers a separate state-required relocation calculation. Failure to pay is an absolute defense to eviction.
Violations & Fines
Failing to pay relocation or file the required notice with the SD Development Services Department voids the eviction. Landlords also face tenant lawsuits, statutory damages, and city code enforcement actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the extra month of assistance?
What if the landlord refuses to pay?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
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