They can't evict you for owing less than one month of the area's fair market rent.
From the Berkeley Rent Board, read Oct 1, 2026.Show the law
“In Berkeley, tenants in units that are fully or partially covered by the Rent Ordinance cannot be evicted unless there is "just cause” (previously called “good cause”)”
State law applies here too. Where both cover a rental, the stricter city rule usually wins; each rule below says so.
Berkeley lawIn force
Berkeley Rent Stabilization and Good Cause (Just Cause) for Eviction Ordinance
Can my landlord make me move out?
Only for a good reason.
They can't evict you for owing less than one month of the area's fair market rent.
Who it covers
Exemptions: Golden duplex, owner-shared kitchen/bath, owner-occupied ADU properties (tenancies after Nov 7, 2018), university dorms, nonprofit cooperatives.
In force since
Nov 2024
Current version since
Dec 20, 2024
Enacted
Nov 2024
The law, word for word
“In Berkeley, tenants in units that are fully or partially covered by the Rent Ordinance cannot be evicted unless there is "just cause” (previously called “good cause”)”
California Tenant Protection Act – Just Cause Eviction
Can my landlord make me move out?
After a year, only for a good reason.
If it's not your fault, they owe you 1 month's rent or must waive your last month.
Depends on the year the building was built.
Who it covers
Not buildings less than 15 years old.
Not owner-occupied buildings with 2 units or fewer.
Covers: Tenancies of 12+ months (24 if additional adults added); does not apply where a local just cause ordinance applies.
Exemptions: Transient hotels; certain care facilities; dormitories; shared kitchen/bath with owner; owner-occupied single-family and duplex; CO within previous 15 years; separately alienable non-corporate-owned property with notice; deed-restricted or subsidized affordable housing.
In force since
Apr 1, 2024
Current version since
Jan 1, 2026
Set to be repealed
Jan 1, 2030
The law, word for word
“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 …”