California Lease Termination for No Fault Just Cause

Last Updated: September 7, 2022 by Marnie Snyder

California Lease Termination for No Fault Just Cause is a lease termination letter provided only by the landlord to end a tenancy of one (1) year or more. Examples of no fault just cause include a substantial remodel or if the landlord takes the rental property off of the market.

When to Use a California Lease Termination for No Fault Just Cause

If the landlord has at fault just cause (i.e. unpaid rent or lease violations) to terminate the tenancy, then the landlord shall provide the tenant with an eviction notice rather than a lease termination notice.

A California Lease Termination for No Fault Just Cause form is used only by landlords, for a tenancy of one (1) year or more, in accordance with the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482). The amount of notice required for a landlord to provide the tenant for no fault just cause is at least a sixty (60) calendar day notice.

The following list encompasses all of the reasons for no fault just cause in California:

  • If the landlord withdraws the rental property from the housing market;
  • If the landlord or landlord’s immediate family plan to occupy the rental premises;
  • If the landlord is conducting a substantial remodel that will take more than thirty (30) days;
  • If the landlord plans to do demolition work or intends to demolish the premises;
  • If the landlord is complying with a local ordinance; or
  • If the landlord is required to end a tenancy due to an order set forth by a court or government agency relating to habitability.

If the landlord has rental housing in Los Angeles county, all no fault just cause lease terminations must allow the tenant sixty (60) calendar days to vacate in accordance with the Los Angeles Municipal Code. In addition, the tenant has the first right of return, which gives them an opportunity to move back to the rental unit if they choose before the premises are advertised to any other prospective residents.

How to Write a California Lease Termination for No Fault Just Cause

For a lease termination notice to be legally compliant:

  1. State who the legal letter is addressed to (use full name of the receiving party).
  2. Include the termination date of the lease or tenancy.
  3. Fill in the full address of the rental premises.
  4. For tenants, provide your new address and an updated phone number.
  5. Sign the notice and print your name.
  6. For landlords, include contact information, such as address and phone number.
  7. Complete the certificate of service by indicating the date and method of notice delivery along with printed name and signature.

Without this information on the notice, a judge may not be able to proceed with legal action.

How to Serve a California Lease Termination for No Fault Just Cause

A landlord may deliver this lease termination notice in California using any of the below acceptable methods:

  1. Handing the notice to the other party in person;
  2. Handing the notice to a person who can accept the legal letter on behalf of the other party;
  3. Mailing the notice by certified or registered mail with a return receipt.

When sending the notice by certified or registered mail, add five (5) additional calendar days of the notice period to account for variability in post office delivery times.

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