AB 1482: Just-Cause Evictions and No-Fault Terminations in California (Part 2 of 2)
In our two-part series, Part 1 covered California’s rent cap rules under AB 1482. This post (Part 2) explains the Just-Cause eviction rules, the extra steps required by SB 567, and how local Santa Barbara ordinances add even more complexity.
👉 Haven’t read the rent cap section yet? Start here: AB 1482: Rent Cap Rules for 2025
Before We Begin: Is Your Property Subject to Just Cause?
Not every property is automatically covered by AB 1482 — but the exemptions are narrow:
New construction (less than 15 years old)
Single-family homes or condos, if owned by an individual (not a corporation, REIT, or LLC with a corporate member) and only if tenants receive a written exemption notice
Certain deed-restricted affordable housing
⚠️ If the tenant hasn’t been notified in writing of an exemption, the property is considered subject to just cause — and all of AB 1482 and local ordinances apply.
Even a short-term leaseback or a single-family rental you assumed was exempt could fall under AB 1482 if the paperwork wasn’t done correctly.
1. When Just Cause Applies Under AB 1482
Once a tenant has lived in a property for 12 months, landlords must have just cause to terminate or refuse renewal.
At-Fault Causes: nonpayment, nuisance, illegal activity, refusal to sign renewal.
No-Fault Causes: owner move-in, demolition, substantial remodel, government order.
If it’s no-fault, relocation assistance is required.
📌 Source: California Civil Code §1946.2
2. SB 567: Stronger Rules and Penalties
Since April 1, 2024, SB 567 has made AB 1482 stricter:
Owner/family move-in: Occupant must move in within 90 days and stay at least 12 months.
Substantial remodels: Must be permitted, major work (cosmetic upgrades don’t qualify).
Relocation assistance: Minimum = 1 month’s rent or rent waiver (due within 15 days). Local laws may require more.
Penalties: Courts can award attorney’s fees, actual damages, and up to 3× damages for willful violations.
📌 Source: SB 567 text
3. Just-Cause Breakdown
At-Fault (Tenant Wrongdoing)
Nonpayment of rent
Lease violation (after cure notice)
Nuisance or property damage
Illegal activity
Refusal to sign renewal (on similar terms)
Refusal to allow lawful entry
Rule: Must serve a cure-or-quit notice first in most cases.
No-Fault (Landlord Action)
Owner/family move-in (90-day deadline + 12-month stay)
Withdrawal from rental market
Government order to vacate
Substantial remodel (permits + major scope)
Demolition
Rule: Must provide relocation assistance:
State = 1 month’s rent minimum
Paid within 15 days
Local = often 2–3 months or a higher flat amount
4. Now the “Fun Part”: Local Layers on Top
Even if you follow state law, Santa Barbara County cities add extra layers of requirements.
1-Year Lease Offers: Required for all properties subject to just cause in the City of Santa Barbara, City of Goleta, and unincorporated County.
⚠️ Exception: City of Carpinteria does not require 1-year lease offers.
City of Santa Barbara
Relocation = 2 months’ rent (15 days deadline)
Right of First Refusal = 2 years
Rent cap if tenant returns = 5% + CPI or 10%
City of Goleta
Relocation = 2 months’ rent
Right of First Refusal after remodel
City of Carpinteria
Relocation = 2 months’ rent or $6,500 (whichever greater)
Unincorporated SB County
Relocation = 3 months HUD Fair Market Rent or $7,000 (whichever greater)
Right of First Refusal applies in most no-fault cases
5. Penalties for Violations
Mistakes can be very expensive:
Notice invalidated (tenant stays)
Attorney’s fees awarded to tenant
Repayment of relocation + emotional distress
3× damages under SB 567 for willful violations
💡 Example: Claiming a remodel without permits could cost 3× relocation + legal fees.
6. Mission City’s Compliance Approach
This is where the rubber meets the road. Collecting rent or calling a plumber is the easy part of owning property.
The real challenge — and where property owners get into trouble — is navigating compliance. This is what separates a casual landlord from a professional management company.
At Mission City, we:
Track and apply the different state + local layers of law.
Advise owners: no non-renewals unless there’s true just cause with documentation.
Issue cure-or-quit notices to properly document at-fault violations.
Verify permits and evidence before any no-fault termination.
Pay relocation assistance on time and in full according to state and local rules.
By standardizing these processes, we protect owners from lawsuits and show tenants that management is consistent, fair, and professional.
