Just Cause Evictions

Just Cause Evictions

State Law - AB 1482: Tenant Protection Act of 2019

The Tenant Protection Act of 2019 established “Just Cause” evictions, where landlords must provide a valid reason for evicting tenants who have occupied a residence for more than one year.

AB 1482 permits cities to adopt ordinances that are more protective than state law. In response, the City has adopted the Just Cause Eviction and Tenant Protection ordinance, which the City Council finds to be more protective than the Tenant Protection Act of 2019.

Note: In the event of any conflict between what is written in the ordinance and applicable State law, the more restrictive requirements shall apply.

1. At Fault: Tenant has failed or refused to comply with the lease or other tenant duties imposed by lawFor example:
  • Default in payment of rent
  • Maintaining, committing, or permitting a nuisance
2. No-Fault: The reason for termination is not within the tenants’ control.For example:
  • The owner reclaiming the property as his or her personal residence
  • The owner removing the property from the rental market
  • The owner intending to demolish or substantially renovate the premises within a short time period

Note: Additional detailed examples of both at-fault and no-fault “Just Cause” evictions can be found in Section 11-2.04 (At-fault just cause evictions), and Section 11-2.05 (No-fault just cause evictions) of the Ojai Municipal Code, respectively.

Additional provisions of the ordinance include:
  • Violation Notice: Landlords must inform tenants if they suspect a violation, giving tenants a chance to fix it within a set time. If not addressed, landlords can give a three-day notice to terminate the tenancy.
  • No-Fault Termination: If a landlord terminates a tenancy for no-fault just cause, they must inform the tenant of their right to relocation assistance or rent waiver. The assistance amount is either two months' rent or $5,000, whichever is greater, provided within 15 days of the notice.
  • Notice Requirements: Landlords must post a notice about this ordinance in English and Spanish on their property. They must also provide tenants with written notice of their rights under this ordinance, including information on termination notices and relocation assistance.
  • Penalties: Violation can result in civil penalties, injunctive relief, and potential criminal charges.
  • Note: Certain types of residential properties or circumstances are exempt from this ordinance. For details on specific exemptions, refer to Section 11-2.08 (Exemptions) of the Ojai Municipal Code.