Just Cause Eviction Requirements
California requires landlords to have "just cause" to evict. Valid reasons include: (1) Non-payment of rent (after 3 days notice), (2) Lease violation (after notice to cure or quit), (3) End of lease term (with proper notice), (4) Owner move-in (owner occupies the unit). Invalid reasons (illegal evictions) include: reporting violations to authorities, requesting repairs, organizing tenants, exercising legal rights. If a landlord evicts for an illegal reason, the eviction is invalid and you can sue for damages.
Retaliation Protection
California law prohibits retaliation. Landlords cannot evict, raise rent, reduce services, or threaten eviction in retaliation for: (1) Reporting violations to authorities, (2) Requesting repairs, (3) Joining a tenants' organization, (4) Asserting legal rights. If you report a violation and your landlord retaliates within 6 months, the law presumes retaliation and the burden shifts to the landlord to prove otherwise. Document all communications — this is your evidence of retaliation.
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SaferLease provides AI-powered informational analysis and is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.