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Merced · Renting & eviction

Eviction and just cause in Merced

City law: just-cause rules apply to any lawful residential tenancy, regardless of how long the tenant has lived there. City law allows no-fault eviction for a government order, an owner or immediate family move-in, leaving the rental market, or demolition, remodel or repairs.

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Key points

  • Just cause: City law: just-cause rules apply to any lawful residential tenancy, regardless of how long the tenant has lived there.
  • No-fault reasons: City law allows no-fault eviction for a government order, an owner or immediate family move-in, leaving the rental market, or demolition, remodel or repairs.

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

What Merced's code says

Merced code What Merced's code adds
When protection starts
  • Regardless of how long the tenant has lived there.
    § 9.75.030 · code text
    A landlord shall not terminate a residential tenancy without just cause, including at-fault just cause, of any tenant who lawfully occupies the property, regardless of the length of time.
Units covered
  • Any residential tenancy of a tenant who lawfully occupies the property.
    Applies: Applies regardless of how long the tenant has lived there.
    § 9.75.030 · code text
    A landlord shall not terminate a residential tenancy without just cause, including at-fault just cause, of any tenant who lawfully occupies the property, regardless of the length of time.
Allowed no-fault reasons
  • Complying with a government agency or court order, including a habitability order, or a local ordinance requiring vacating the property.
    § 9.75.030 · code text
    The owner is complying with an order issued by a government agency or court relating to habitability that necessitates vacating the residential real property or an order by a government agency or court, or a local ordinance, that necessitates vacating the property.
  • The owner or an immediate family member plans to move in.
    § 9.75.030 · code text
    The owner or a member of their immediate family intends to occupy the property.
  • Taking the property off the rental market.
    Applies: Only as authorized by Government Code § 7060 et seq.
    § 9.75.030 · code text
    The termination is necessary in order to remove the property from the rental market, but only as authorized by Government Code Section 7060 et seq.
  • Demolishing, substantially remodeling, or making necessary repairs to the property or unit.
    Applies: The owner must also follow Sections 9.75.040 and 9.75.050, including no rent increase for 6 months after the tenant returns.
    § 9.75.030 · code text
    The owner intends to demolish, substantially remodel, or undertake necessary repairs to the property or unit.

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 Merced need a reason to evict?

City law: just-cause rules apply to any lawful residential tenancy, regardless of how long the tenant has lived there. City law allows no-fault eviction for a government order, an owner or immediate family move-in, leaving the rental market, or demolition, remodel or repairs.

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Merced property

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

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Just-cause eviction in California

Merced Municipal Code — full text