What Is the Just Cause Ordinance (JCO) in Los Angeles? Complete Guide for Landlords and Property Owners

Understanding Los Angeles Just Cause Ordinance: Key Protection Rules for Rental Properties

If you own rental property in Los Angeles that isn't covered by rent control under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO), your property likely falls under the Just Cause Ordinance (JCO). This comprehensive eviction protection law affects thousands of Los Angeles landlords who own single-family homes, condominiums, and newer apartment buildings.

The Just Cause Ordinance represents a significant shift in Los Angeles tenant protection laws, requiring landlords to have legally valid reasons for ending tenancies—even in properties exempt from rent control regulations.

What is the Just Cause Ordinance in Los Angeles?

The Just Cause Ordinance became effective January 27, 2023, extending eviction protections to nearly all rental units in Los Angeles not already covered by the RSO. Unlike rent control ordinances, the JCO doesn't limit rent increases but focuses exclusively on preventing arbitrary evictions.

This Los Angeles housing law fills a crucial gap in tenant protections, ensuring that renters in newer buildings, single-family homes, and condos receive similar eviction safeguards as those in rent-controlled units.

Which Properties Are Covered by JCO?

The Just Cause Ordinance applies to most rental properties in Los Angeles, including:

• Single-family homes rented by individual landlords

• Condominiums used as rental properties

• Newer apartment buildings built after rent control cutoff dates

• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and granny flats

• Corporate-owned rental properties of all sizes

Properties exempt from JCO include those already covered by RSO, certain subsidized housing, and specific owner-occupied scenarios.

At-Fault vs. No-Fault Evictions Under JCO

At-Fault Evictions (Tenant-Caused)

Landlords can terminate tenancies when tenants violate lease terms or law:

• Non-payment of rent after proper notice periods

• Material lease violations (unauthorized pets, subletting, property damage)

• Criminal activity on the premises

• Nuisance behavior affecting other tenants or neighbors

• Refusal to sign lease renewal with lawful terms

No-Fault Evictions (Landlord-Initiated)

Even without tenant wrongdoing, landlords can evict for specific reasons:

• Owner move-in: Landlord or immediate family member intends primary residence

• Withdrawal from rental market: Converting to condos, demolition, or personal use

• Substantial rehabilitation requiring vacant possession

• Compliance with government orders for health/safety violations

Important: No-fault evictions typically require relocation assistance payments to displaced tenants.

JCO Relocation Assistance Requirements

Small Landlords (Natural Persons with ≤4 Units)

For individual property owners with four or fewer rental units:

• Relocation fee: Generally equals one month's rent

• Payment timing: Due before tenant vacates

• Documentation: Proper written notice required

Larger Landlords and Corporations

Corporate landlords and those owning more than four units face:

• Higher relocation payments (amounts vary by circumstances)

• Additional notice requirements

• Stricter documentation standards

Key Differences: JCO vs. RSO vs. State Law

Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO)

• Scope: Older buildings (pre-1978) with 2+ units

• Controls: Both rent increases AND evictions

• Rent limits: Annual increases capped at specific percentages

Just Cause Ordinance (JCO)

• Scope: Properties NOT covered by RSO

• Controls: Evictions ONLY—no rent increase limits

• Flexibility: Landlords set market rents but need just cause to evict

California State Law (AB 1482)

Still applies alongside JCO:

• Rent increase caps: 5% + Consumer Price Index (maximum 10% annually)

• Statewide coverage: Properties over 15 years old

• Eviction protections: Basic just cause requirements

Practical Examples of JCO in Action

Example 1: New Condo Owner

You purchase a 2020-built condo in Downtown LA and rent it out. Under JCO:

• ✅ Can: Raise rent according to AB 1482 limits

• ✅ Can: Evict for non-payment or lease violations

• ❌ Cannot: Evict without just cause

• ❌ Cannot: Force tenant out for arbitrary reasons

Example 2: Single-Family Home Landlord

You inherit a house in Silver Lake and rent it to a family:

• Rent increases: Market rate (subject to AB 1482)

• Eviction requirements: Must prove just cause under JCO

• Owner move-in: Allowed with proper notice and relocation assistance

Common JCO Compliance Mistakes to Avoid

Improper notice periods: Each eviction type has specific timeline requirements Missing relocation payments: Failure to pay can invalidate no-fault evictions
Inadequate documentation: Poor record-keeping leads to failed eviction attempts Confusion with RSO: Mixing up ordinances results in legal violations

Frequently Asked Questions About Los Angeles JCO

Q: Does JCO apply to my Airbnb property? A: Short-term rentals under 30 days typically aren't covered, but month-to-month tenancies are.

Q: Can I evict to renovate my property? A: Only for substantial rehabilitation requiring vacant possession, with proper permits and relocation assistance.

Q: How much notice is required for no-fault evictions? A: Generally 60 days for tenancies over one year, but specific circumstances may require longer notice periods.

Getting Professional Help with JCO Compliance

Navigating Los Angeles rental laws requires expertise. Property owners should consult qualified real estate professionals familiar with JCO requirements to avoid costly legal mistakes and ensure full compliance with evolving tenant protection regulations.

Not sure whether your property falls under RSO or JCO? The Borges Real Estate Team can walk you through the specific rules affecting your rental property investment. Already own a home? Instantly check its current market value here: https://justin.lametrohomefinder.com/seller

Understanding the Just Cause Ordinance protects both landlords and tenants by establishing clear, legal frameworks for property management in Los Angeles's complex rental market.