Santa Cruz Municipal Code Ch. 21.07 Tenant Protections Above AB 1482 Requirements

Notwithstanding the language of California Civil Code Section 1946.2(e)(9), the no-fault just cause eviction protections of Section 1946.2 shall be applicable to tenants receiving subsidy through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program or the Section 8 Project Based Voucher Program. A full month’s rent shall be provided for relocation assistance, including both the tenant’s portion of the payment and the voucher amount. Any rent control protections that Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher holders are afforded by AB 1482 shall also be applied to such Section 8 Housing Choice tenants.

(Ord. 2025-10 § 1, 2025; Ord. 2024-16 § 1, 2024; Ord. 2019-23 § 2, 2019).

Failure by a landlord to comply with the terms of this chapter shall be an affirmative defense to any unlawful detainer action pending or filed on or after its effective date. In addition, tenant may bring a civil suit in the courts of the state for injunctive relief and damages, alleging that a landlord has violated any of the provisions of this chapter. In a civil suit, a landlord found to violate this chapter shall, in addition to injunctive relief, be liable to the tenant for all actual damages, as well as an award of reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs. Additionally, upon a showing that the landlord has acted willfully or with oppression, fraud, or malice, the tenant shall be awarded treble damages. No administrative remedy need be exhausted prior to filing suit pursuant to this section.

(Ord. 2025-10 § 1, 2025; Ord. 2024-16 § 1, 2024; Ord. 2019-23 § 2, 2019. Formerly 21.07.030).