San Diego’s new tenant protection ordinance

The San Diego Tenant Protection Ordinance, took effect June 24th, 2023. This new ordinance provides enhanced protections for tenants in the City of San Diego

Question: What do just cause for eviction laws do?

Answer: Limits a landlord’s ability to terminate a tenancy unless the landlord has a reason listed in the law.  

The Tenant Protection Ordinance offers additional safeguards to empower tenants and ensure their rights are upheld. Some notable provisions of the proposal include:

1.  Early Protections: Tenant protections apply from day one of the tenancy, with limited exemptions for short-term leases.

2.  Financial Assistance: If tenants are evicted through no fault of their own, they will be entitled to relocation assistance equivalent to two months' rent. Seniors and individuals with disabilities will receive three months' rent assistance.

3.  Strengthened Protections for No-Fault Terminations: The ordinance clarifies when substantial remodels can and cannot be used as grounds for no-fault terminations.

4.  Improved Notice for Renovations: Tenants will receive advanced notice regarding substantial renovations, ensuring they have adequate time to prepare and plan.

5.  Education and Resources: The City will provide tenants with educational materials and resources upon move-in, empowering them with valuable information about their rights and available support.

6.  Temporary Relocation Options: Tenants will have increased options for temporary relocation during substantial renovations, ensuring minimal disruption to their lives.

7.  Accountability Measures: The ordinance introduces accountability measures, including provisions for attorney fees, exemplary damages, and a process for buyout agreements. These measures offer tenants additional legal resources and protections.

By implementing the Tenant Protection Ordinance, San Diego aims to reduce evictions, particularly "no-fault" evictions, and mitigate the risk of residents falling into homelessness.