Just Cause Eviction Checker
See if AB 1482's just-cause protections apply to this tenancy, which notice category fits, and whether relocation assistance is owed.
Just-cause protection starts once a tenant has lived in the unit for 12 months (24 months if a new adult tenant joined partway through). After that, a landlord needs one of the reasons listed in the law. At-fault reasons are about the tenant's conduct and usually require no relocation payment. No-fault reasons (owner move-in, Ellis Act withdrawal, a government order, or a substantial remodel) require relocation assistance of at least one month's rent.
Answer a few questions about the tenancy and the reason for termination to see your category and any relocation assistance owed.
Just Cause Eviction Checker
Your Just Cause Result
How this is calculated
First, the tool checks whether just-cause protection has kicked in at all: 12 months of tenancy normally, or 24 months if a new adult tenant was added and the original tenants haven't yet hit that mark. Below that threshold, a landlord generally doesn't need just cause to end a month-to-month tenancy (standard 30/60-day notice rules still apply).
Once protection applies, the tool sorts the termination reason into at-fault or no-fault. At-fault reasons are tenant conduct: nonpayment, lease violations, nuisance or criminal activity. No-fault reasons are owner or family move-in, Ellis Act withdrawal, a government order to vacate, and substantial remodel or demolition. A curable at-fault violation requires a notice to cure before termination. Nonpayment and serious or repeated violations generally don't.
A no-fault reason requires relocation assistance of at least 1 month's rent, as a payment or a rent waiver. The tool estimates it from the rent you enter. Several cities require more than the state minimum, so check your local ordinance as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do just-cause eviction protections start under AB 1482?
After a tenant has occupied the unit for 12 months. If a new adult tenant was added to the lease partway through and all original tenants haven't been there 24 months, the threshold becomes 24 months, unless the landlord agreed otherwise in writing.
What's the difference between an at-fault and a no-fault eviction reason?
At-fault reasons involve the tenant's conduct, such as nonpayment of rent, lease violations or nuisance. They generally don't require a relocation payment, though a curable violation requires a written notice to cure first. No-fault reasons are owner or family move-in, Ellis Act withdrawal, a government order to vacate, and substantial remodel or demolition. For those the landlord must pay relocation assistance, because the tenant did nothing wrong.
How much relocation assistance is required for a no-fault eviction?
The state minimum is one month's rent, paid or waived within a set window of serving the notice. Some cities require more. San Diego, for example, requires two months' rent. Check your local ordinance in addition to the state rule.
Does AB 1482 apply to every rental unit in California?
No. Common exemptions include single-family homes and condos owned by individuals who gave the required exemption notice, units built within the last 15 years, and owner-occupied duplexes. These are similar to the exemptions from the AB 1482 rent cap.
What happens if a landlord doesn't give proper just-cause notice?
An eviction (unlawful detainer) filed without a legally sufficient just-cause reason, or without required relocation assistance for a no-fault reason, can be challenged in court and may be dismissed or defended successfully by the tenant.
This tool provides an educational estimate only and is not legal advice. Eviction law depends on the facts of each tenancy and is often litigated. Consult a tenant or landlord attorney before serving or responding to any notice.