AB 1482 Evictions in California: Do You Have “Just Cause”?
If you’re a landlord in California, understanding Assembly Bill 1482 (AB 1482) is no longer optional. Known as the “Just Cause” eviction law, this legislation fundamentally changed how landlords can terminate tenancies.
If you're not following it carefully, you could end up in serious legal trouble. Let’s break down the essentials.
What Is “Just Cause” Under AB 1482?
Before AB 1482, landlords could usually end month-to-month leases with a simple 30 or 60-day notice. Now, if a tenant has been in the unit for 12 months (or 24 months if additional tenants moved in later), landlords must have a legally valid reason, a “Just Cause,” to terminate the tenancy.
Exemptions to AB 1482
Some properties are not covered by AB 1482, such as:
- Homes built within the past 15 years
- Certain single-family homes owned by individuals (not corporations or REITs), if the lease contains specific language
- Owner-occupied duplexes
Still, the majority of California rental properties are covered, meaning Just Cause applies.
Two Types of Just Cause
AB 1482 defines two distinct types of Just Cause: At-Fault and No-Fault.
At-Fault Just Cause
This type is triggered by tenant actions. Common examples include:
- Failing to pay rent
- Violating the lease (after being given a chance to correct it)
- Causing a nuisance or major damage
- Engaging in criminal activity on the premises
- Illegally subletting
- Refusing lawful entry by the landlord
No-Fault Just Cause
No-Fault Just Cause means the tenant hasn’t done anything wrong, but the landlord has a specific, legal reason to take back the unit. These include:
- The owner or a close relative plans to move in
- The property is being permanently removed from the rental market
- A government order requires the tenant to leave
- The unit will be substantially remodeled or demolished
Important: No-Fault terminations require relocation assistance, which is generally equal to one month’s rent. This must either be paid directly to the tenant or credited by waiving the final month’s rent, and it usually has to happen within 15 days of serving notice.
What Happens If You Get It Wrong?
If a landlord serves a termination notice without a valid Just Cause, the notice is invalid. The tenant can stay, and the landlord could face:
- Wrongful eviction claims
- Legal penalties
- Major delays and additional costs
And don’t forget, some cities like Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Davis have even stricter local eviction rules that layer on top of AB 1482.
Need Help Navigating California's Eviction Laws?
If you’re unsure about your legal standing or dealing with a challenging tenancy, we’re here to help.
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