Skip to content

Alameda County · Renting & eviction

Eviction and just cause in Alameda County

County rule: after 12 months of continuous, lawful occupancy, a tenancy can end only for the at-fault or no-fault reasons in state law.

Ask about eviction and just cause in Alameda County See coverage

Key points

  • Just cause: County rule: after 12 months of continuous, lawful occupancy, a tenancy can end only for the at-fault or no-fault reasons in state law.

Each rule below links to the section of the Alameda County Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Alameda County's code says

Alameda County code What Alameda County's code adds
When protection starts
  • After 12 months in the unit.
    Applies: The tenant has lived in the unit continuously and lawfully.
    § 3.70.050 · code text
    After a tenant has continuously and lawfully occupied a rental unit for twelve (12) months
  • After 24 months.
    Applies: Adults were added to the lease before an existing tenant reached 12 months; at least 1 tenant has lived there continuously and lawfully 24 months.
    § 3.70.050 · code text
    if any additional adult tenants are added to the lease before an existing tenant has continuously and lawfully occupied the rental unit for twelve (12) months, then if at least one tenant has continuously and lawfully occupied the rental unit for twenty-four (24) months
Allowed at-fault reasons
  • Only the at-fault reasons in state just-cause law, as amended.
    Applies: Tenants with just-cause protection, generally after 12 months of occupancy.
    § 3.70.060 · code text
    The only just causes for eviction pursuant to Section 3.70.050 shall be those enumerated in Civil Code Section 1946.2(b), as amended.
Allowed no-fault reasons
  • Only the no-fault reasons in state just-cause law, as amended.
    Applies: Tenants with just-cause protection, generally after 12 months of occupancy.
    § 3.70.060 · code text
    The only just causes for eviction pursuant to Section 3.70.050 shall be those enumerated in Civil Code Section 1946.2(b), as amended.

The California rule underneath

CA state law Underneath, California law still applies. Just cause required: After 12 months of lawful occupancy, the owner may terminate only for a just cause stated in the notice (Civ. Code § 1946.2(a)). Just-cause eviction in California — the full state rule →

Who this affects

TenantsLandlordsProperty managers

Frequently asked questions

Does a landlord in Alameda County need a reason to evict?

County rule: after 12 months of continuous, lawful occupancy, a tenancy can end only for the at-fault or no-fault reasons in state law.

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Alameda County property

Ask GoCodebook how Alameda County's eviction and just cause rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

Ask your question

More on renting & eviction in Alameda County

All renting & eviction rules in Alameda County

Rent increases in Alameda County

Relocation payments in Alameda County

Notices in Alameda County

Hotel and short-term rental tax in Alameda County

Mobilehome park rent in Alameda County

Just-cause eviction in California

Alameda County Municipal Code — full text