Ending a tenancyCalifornia notice to end a month-to-month tenancy
You want a month-to-month tenancy to end. Here are the general notice and just cause rules, the statutes they come from, and the facts to gather first.
The general rule, and where to check- Notice to end a month-to-month tenancy. A landlord ending a periodic tenancy gives at least 30 days' written notice if any tenant has lived there less than a year, and at least 60 days if every tenant has lived there a year or more. A tenant's notice covers at least one full rental period. Just cause rules and city ordinances can add requirements on top of the notice period. Cal. Civ. Code 1946.1 Summary checked 2026-10-20.
- Just cause to end a tenancy (Tenant Protection Act). Once a tenant has lived in a covered unit for 12 months, the owner needs a just cause listed in the statute to end the tenancy. For a no-fault cause (such as the owner moving in), the owner pays relocation assistance of one month's rent within 15 calendar days of serving the notice, or waives the final month's rent instead. If an adult tenant is added before an existing tenant reaches 24 months, just cause applies once every tenant has lived there 12 months or more, or once any one tenant has lived there 24 months or more. The same exemptions as the rent cap apply. Cal. Civ. Code 1946.2 Summary checked 2026-10-17.
General information, not legal advice. Check the source before you act. City ordinances can add rules. Check your city or county housing office.
Have these ready- The date each tenant moved in
- Whether the unit is exempt from just cause, and the lease page with any exemption notice
- The reason the tenancy is ending, in writing
- Your city's rules, if your city has an eviction ordinance
- How you will serve the notice, and the relocation payment if one applies