What relocation assistance am I entitled to for a no-fault eviction?

What the Law Says

California law requires landlords to pay relocation assistance when issuing certain no-fault evictions — such as owner or relative move-in, withdrawal from rental market (e.g., Ellis Act), or substantial rehabilitation. The amounts and eligibility depend on household composition and local rules, but state law sets minimums.

The California Health and Safety Code sets baseline relocation payments for qualifying no-fault evictions. These apply statewide, even where cities lack their own ordinances.

Payments are adjusted annually for inflation. As of 2024, the standard amount is $3,300 for most households, and $5,260 for households including at least one person who is 62+ years old or disabled.

Landlords must provide the payment within 15 days after serving the notice of termination — unless the tenant waives this deadline in writing.

Statutory Text

For purposes of this section, 'relocation assistance' means a payment of three thousand three hundred dollars ($3,300) for a household that does not include a person who is 62 years of age or older or a person with a disability, and five thousand two hundred sixty dollars ($5,260) for a household that includes at least one person who is 62 years of age or older or a person with a disability.

— Health and Safety Code § 1510.5 — Relocation Assistance

Statutory Text

The payment shall be made within 15 days after service of the notice of termination, unless the tenant waives this requirement in writing.

— Health and Safety Code § 1510.5(c)

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