Q: Am I entitled to relocation cost? I am a tenant of 8 years in CA and the landlord gave me a termination of lease

A: In California, tenants may be entitled to relocation assistance depending on the reason for eviction and local laws. Since you have lived in the rental for eight years, your tenancy likely falls under just cause eviction protections if you are in a rent-controlled area or if local ordinances apply. If the landlord is terminating your lease to remodel and sell, they might be required to provide relocation assistance, but this depends on the city or county you live in. Some areas, like Los Angeles and San Francisco, have specific laws requiring landlords to pay tenants when they are forced to move under certain conditions.

To find out if you are eligible, check your local tenant protection laws. You can do this by contacting your city’s rent board, tenant union, or housing department. State law, under the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482), requires relocation assistance for no-fault evictions in some cases, but if the property is exempt from these rules, the landlord may not be obligated to pay. A written notice from the landlord should state whether the termination qualifies as a no-fault eviction and if relocation assistance applies.

You should also review your lease agreement and any local ordinances that might offer additional protections. If your landlord did not mention relocation assistance in the notice, ask them directly or request clarification in writing. If you believe your rights are being violated, you may want to reach out to a tenant advocacy group or legal aid organization for guidance.