Los Angeles City

Los Angeles Just Cause Ordinance

JCO - Los Angeles Municipal Code § 165.00 et seq.

Last Verified: Mar 2026
Source: Los Angeles City Official Code
Last Changed: Expanded coverage and clarified procedures.

Who This Applies To

  • -Applies to most non-RSO rental units in LA City
  • -Fills the gap for post-1978 buildings and other RSO-exempt units
  • -Just cause required after 6 months of tenancy (shorter than AB 1482's 12 months)

Exemptions:

  • - Owner-occupied buildings with 3 or fewer units (owner lives in one)
  • - Units already covered by RSO (RSO just cause applies instead)
  • - Units in hotels/motels with less than 30-day tenancy
  • - Dormitories

Eviction Requirements

Just Cause Required

You must have a legal reason to evict. At-fault and no-fault reasons are both allowed.

At-Fault Reasons (Tenant can cure)

Nonpayment of rent

-day notice - Tenant can fix

Material breach of lease

-day notice - Tenant can fix

Nuisance or criminal activity

-day notice - Cannot be fixed

No-Fault Reasons (Owner discretion)

Owner or family move-in

-day notice - Relocation assistance required

Withdrawal from rental market

-day notice - Relocation assistance required

Substantial renovation

-day notice - Relocation assistance required

Relocation Assistance

Standard Tenant

$11150

Qualified Tenant*

$22890

*Tenant is 62 years of age or older, Tenant is disabled, Tenant has lived in the unit for 10+ years, Household includes minor children

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