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Alameda County adopts Just Cause eviction protections for unincorporated areas, effective March 6
Summary
After a multi-year process and a public hearing with heavy tenant testimony, the Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance adding Chapter 3.7 to the Alameda County Code extending just‑cause protections in unincorporated areas, requiring 90 days' notice for no‑fault evictions and two months' relocation assistance for qualifying households.
Alameda County’s Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Feb. 4 to adopt a 'Just Cause for Evictions' ordinance for the county’s unincorporated areas, expanding tenant protections beyond state minimums and creating new local requirements that take effect March 6.
The ordinance, added as Chapter 3.7 to the Alameda County Ordinance Code, incorporates California Civil Code Section 1946.2 by reference (excluding specified subdivisions) and includes several local enhancements: a 90‑day notice requirement for no‑fault evictions (compared with California’s 60‑day standard in many cases) and a relocation-assistance requirement of two months’ rent for qualifying no‑fault evictions. The Community Development Agency will collect notices of no‑fault evictions within three days of tenant service, a step supervisors said will improve enforcement and transparency.
Before the second reading and adoption, county staff opened a public hearing that featured extensive testimony from tenants and community groups. Speakers from My Eden Voice, Urban Habitat and other tenant organizations told the board about habitability problems, pest infestations and harassment that left residents fearful of reporting issues. Advocates urged immediate adoption, citing the health and safety impacts of unstable housing.
Landlord representatives, including the California Apartment Association, asked staff to be available to answer administrative questions related to implementation and tenant-notice procedures, and to continue outreach and education for owners and tenants.
Supervisors debated the ordinance's balance between protecting tenants and avoiding unintended consequences for small landlords. The board directed the Community Development Agency to report back with an evaluation within 12 months and signaled additional follow-up on complaint-driven code enforcement, anti-harassment measures and a pilot for proactive rental inspection in targeted neighborhoods.
The ordinance passed by unanimous roll call; the board closed public comment before adopting the second reading and directed staff to return with a one-year evaluation of implementation outcomes.
