State law applies here too. Where both cover a rental, the stricter city rule usually wins; each rule below says so.
Santa Ana lawDepends on the building
Santa Ana Just Cause Eviction Ordinance
Can my landlord make me move out?
After 30 days, only for a good reason.
If it's not your fault, they owe 3 months' relocation help or your last 3 months rent-free.
Depends on the year the building was built.
Who it covers
Not buildings less than 15 years old.
Covers: Private residential rentals not within the listed exemptions.
Exemptions: Housing produced in the last 15 years; deed-restricted affordable housing; hotel and transient occupancy; hospital and care facilities; dormitories; other shared living quarters.
In force since
Nov 19, 2021
The law, word for word
“After 30 days, an owner shall not terminate a tenancy without just cause, which shall be stated in a written notice …”
Santa Ana Just Cause Eviction Ordinance · santa-ana.gov · Retrieved Oct 1, 2026
Quote checked word for word
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Set to be repealed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 …”