California eviction rules

California is among the most tenant-protective states. The 3-day pay-or-quit notice gives tenants a guaranteed cure window. AB 1482 just-cause requirements cover most rentals after 12 months of tenancy. Self-help eviction (lockouts, utility shut-offs) is heavily penalized.

Important: Many California cities — including LA, SF, Oakland, Berkeley, Santa Monica — have additional rent-control and just-cause ordinances that override the state defaults.

Non-payment notice

Lease violation notice

No-cause notice

60d

Typical timeline

35–90 days

Governing statute

Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §§ 1161-1179a

Read the statute

Right to cure non-payment

Yes

Tenant may pay all back rent within the 3-day notice period and stop the eviction. After the 3-day period expires, the landlord may file unlawful detainer.

Self-help eviction

Illegal

Self-help eviction is illegal under Cal. Civ. Code § 789.3. Lockouts, utility shut-offs, and removing tenant property are prohibited and can subject the landlord to civil penalties of $100/day plus actual damages.

Just-cause eviction

Required

California's Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482) requires 'just cause' for eviction of tenants who have lived in the unit for 12+ months in most non-exempt rental units. Local ordinances (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley) impose additional just-cause requirements.

More California tools

Service of process

Did I get served correctly? →

Small claims

California max & fees →

Cost to sue

California all-in cost →

Other states

Alaska Alabama Arkansas Arizona Colorado Connecticut District of Columbia Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Iowa Idaho Illinois Indiana Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Massachusetts Maryland Maine Michigan Minnesota Missouri Mississippi Montana North Carolina North Dakota Nebraska New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico Nevada New York Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Virginia Vermont Washington Wisconsin West Virginia Wyoming

Not legal advice. Local ordinances (city / county rent-control boards) frequently override the state defaults. If you've been served with an eviction notice, contact a local legal aid clinic or tenant-rights attorney immediately — the windows are short.