Can they make me move out as payback in Los Gatos?
No. Payback evictions are not allowed.
An eviction soon after you use the program is presumed to be retaliation.
Why, and the exact law
Depends on the number of units.
From Los Gatos Town Code § 14.80.035, read Oct 4, 2026.Show the law
“Possession of a Rental Unit shall not be recovered by a Landlord from a Tenant who is not
otherwise in default as to the terms of occupancy of such unit if either:”
State law applies here too. Where both cover a rental, the stricter city rule usually wins; each rule below says so.
Los Gatos lawDepends on the building
Los Gatos retaliatory eviction protection
Can they make me move out as payback?
No. Payback evictions are not allowed.
An eviction soon after you use the program is presumed to be retaliation.
Depends on the number of units.
Who it covers
Buildings with 3 or more units.
Covers: Rental Units under the article; duplexes are covered only for conciliation and fee provisions.
Exemptions: Same excluded Rental Units as the ordinance (single-unit buildings, single houses/condos, hotels, government-owned, etc.).
In force since
Apr 14, 2004
Enacted
Mar 15, 2004
The law, word for word
“Possession of a Rental Unit shall not be recovered by a Landlord from a Tenant who is not
otherwise in default as to the terms of occupancy of such unit if either:”
Los Gatos Town Code § 14.80.035 · losgatosca.gov · Retrieved Oct 4, 2026
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Set to be repealed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 …”