US-CaliforniaWhat happens if my landlord sells the building -- can the new owner evict me?
No, the new owner cannot evict you just because the building was sold — your lease remains in effect, and month-to-month tenants keep their rights under California law.
What the Law Says
California law treats a sale of rental property as a transfer of ownership—not a termination of tenancy. Your existing lease or tenancy agreement continues unchanged with the new owner.
If you have a fixed-term lease (e.g., a one-year lease), it remains fully enforceable against the new owner. The buyer steps into the shoes of the prior landlord and must honor all lease terms, including rent amount, duration, and conditions.
If you’re a month-to-month tenant, the new owner may terminate your tenancy—but only with proper written notice: 30 days if you’ve lived there less than a year, or 60 days if you’ve lived there one year or more (unless the property is under rent control or subject to just-cause requirements).
Under Civil Code § 1950.5, the original landlord must transfer your security deposit to the new owner—or return it to you—within 21 days after the sale closes. The new owner then assumes responsibility for returning it at the end of your tenancy.
Some cities (like Los Angeles, Oakland, and San Francisco) have local rent control or just-cause eviction ordinances. In those areas, the new owner generally cannot evict you without a legally recognized reason—even after purchase.
Statutory TextA transfer of the title to the premises does not terminate a lease or affect the lessee’s right to possession.
— Civil Code § 1940 — Effect of transfer on lease
Statutory TextThe transferee of a security deposit shall be liable for its return… as if the transferee were the original landlord.
— Civil Code § 1950.5(h) — Transfer of security deposit
What Courts Have Said
California courts consistently uphold the principle that a change in ownership does not disturb an existing tenancy.
The court held that a new owner must honor the terms of an existing lease, including rent and duration, and cannot unilaterally raise rent or evict during the lease term.
Affirmed that a tenant’s right to possession under a valid lease runs with the land and binds successors in interest—including purchasers.
What to Do
Review your current lease or rental agreement to confirm its terms and expiration date.
Request written confirmation from the new owner that they acknowledge your tenancy and agree to honor all lease terms.
If you receive a termination notice, verify it complies with required notice periods (30 or 60 days) and check whether local rent control or just-cause laws apply.
Confirm your security deposit was transferred — ask both old and new landlords for written proof.
Contact your city’s housing department or a legal aid organization if you suspect an illegal eviction attempt.
Sources
Same Question, Other Jurisdictions
Germany
UKNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.