California · Eviction

Can my landlord make me move out in California?

After a year, only for a good reason.

Why, and the exact law

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.

From the California Legislature, read Oct 1, 2026.
Show the 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 …”

Cal. Civ. Code § 1946.2 · leginfo.legislature.ca.gov · found word for word in the source

Were you told to move out?

What reason did they give?

What reason did they give?

Who can help

  1. Get free legal helpLegal aid for tenants who got a notice.LawHelpCA
  2. Find a lawyerReferral service of the State Bar.State Bar of California
Every rule here, word for word (1)

This page covers state law only. Cities with their own rules have their own pages.

California lawDepends on the building

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Set to be repealed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 …”

Cal. Civ. Code § 1946.2 · leginfo.legislature.ca.gov · Retrieved Oct 1, 2026

Quote checked word for word

More about California

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Information about the law, not legal advice.