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San Pablo · Renting & eviction

Eviction and just cause in San Pablo

City rule: an eviction needs a listed just cause, such as nonpayment, a material lease breach, nuisance or criminal activity.

Key points

  • Just cause: City rule: an eviction needs a listed just cause, such as nonpayment, a material lease breach, nuisance or criminal activity.

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

What San Pablo's code says

San Pablo code What San Pablo's code adds
Allowed at-fault reasons
  • Not paying rent.
    § 9.70.050 · code text
    A. Default in the payment of rent.
  • Breaking a material lease term, including violating the lease after a written notice to correct it.
    § 9.70.050 · code text
    B. A breach of a material term of the lease, as described in paragraph (3) of Section 1161 of the Code of Civil Procedure, including, but not limited to, violation of a provision of the lease after being issued a written notice to correct the violation.
  • Maintaining, committing, or allowing a nuisance.
    § 9.70.050 · code text
    C. Maintaining, committing, or permitting the maintenance or commission of a nuisance as described in paragraph (4) of Section 1161 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
  • Committing waste.
    § 9.70.050 · code text
    D. Committing waste as described in paragraph (4) of Section 1161 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
  • Refusing to sign a written lease extension or renewal after the lease ends.
    Applies: The written lease ended on or after January 1, 2020 (January 1, 2022 for mobile homes), after the owner's written request.
    § 9.70.050 · code text
    E. The tenant had a written lease that terminated on or after January 1, 2020, or January 1, 2022, if the lease is for a tenancy in a mobile home, and after a written request or demand from the owner, the tenant has refused to execute a written extension or renewal of the lease for an additional term of similar duration with similar provisions, provided that those terms do not violate this section or any other provision of law.
  • Criminal activity on the property, or criminal activity or threats aimed at the owner or the owner's agent.
    § 9.70.050 · code text
    F. Criminal activity by the tenant on the residential real property, including any common areas, or any criminal activity or criminal threat, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 422 of the Penal Code, on or off the residential real property, that is directed at any owner or agent of the owner of the residential real property.
  • Assigning or subletting in violation of the lease.
    § 9.70.050 · code text
    G. Assigning or subletting the premises in violation of the tenant's lease, as described in paragraph (4) of Section 1161 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
  • Refusing to let the owner enter as the law allows.
    § 9.70.050 · code text
    H. The tenant's refusal to allow the owner to enter the residential real property as authorized by Sections 1101.5 and 1954 of the Civil Code, and Sections 13113.7 and 17926.1 of the Health and Safety Code.
  • Using the unit for an unlawful purpose.
    § 9.70.050 · code text
    I. Using the premises for an unlawful purpose as described in paragraph (4) of Section 1161 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
  • An employee, agent, or licensee does not move out after their job or license ends.
    § 9.70.050 · code text
    J. The employee, agent, or licensee's failure to vacate after their termination as an employee, agent, or a licensee as described in paragraph (1) of Section 1161 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
  • Not moving out after giving written notice to leave or after the owner accepted a written offer to surrender.
    § 9.70.050 · code text
    K. When the tenant fails to deliver possession of the residential real property after providing the owner written notice as provided in Section 1946 of the tenant's intention to terminate the hiring of the real property, or makes a written offer to surrender that is accepted in writing by the owner, but fails to deliver possession at the time specified in that written notice as described in paragraph (5) of Section 1161 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

The California rule underneath

Where San Pablo's rule above does not cover a situation, state law still applies. For the statewide rule on its own, see Just-cause eviction in California.

CA state law The statewide rule underneath
Just cause required
After 12 months of lawful occupancy, the owner may terminate only for a just cause stated in the notice
Applies: Covered units only (§ 1946.2(e) exempts, among others, housing built in the last 15 years and single-family homes or condos not owned by a corporation or REIT when the tenant got the required notice). If new adult tenants joined before anyone reached 24 months, all tenants need 12 months or one needs 24.
Chance to cure first
For a curable lease violation, the owner must first serve a notice to cure before a 3-day notice to quit
Just cause — new construction exemption
Housing with a certificate of occupancy issued within the previous 15 years is exempt (rolling)
Applies: Mobilehomes excepted.
Just cause law sunset
§ 1946.2 is repealed on January 1, 2030 unless extended

Who this affects

TenantsLandlordsProperty managers

Frequently asked questions

Does a landlord in San Pablo need a reason to evict?

City rule: an eviction needs a listed just cause, such as nonpayment, a material lease breach, nuisance or criminal activity.

General information, not legal advice.

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