Buena Park's Just Cause Tenant Protections: Chapter 8.60 Explained
In June 2023, the Buena Park City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1721, adding Chapter 8.60 ("Just Cause Tenant Protections") to the Buena Park Municipal Code. The city promotes the ordinance under the name H.E.L.P. — Housing Eviction Legal Protections. Buena Park has no local rent cap, but Chapter 8.60 provides eviction protections that are consistent with, and in key respects more protective than, California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482).
- A Buena Park tenancy may not be terminated unless the landlord has one of the allowable just cause reasons, which must be stated in the notice terminating tenancy.
- The mere expiration of a lease is not just cause. Relocation assistance — generally one month's rent — is required for every no-fault eviction.
- A landlord who seeks to evict for demolition or substantial renovation must first obtain the necessary building or demolition permits from the city — a mere statement of intent is insufficient — and must offer the tenant two months' rent in relocation assistance.
- A landlord who evicts for renovations without genuine intent to perform them may be sued by the tenant for a penalty of up to $15,000.
1. What Does Chapter 8.60 Require?
A Buena Park tenancy may not be terminated unless the landlord has one of the allowable just cause reasons, which must be stated in the notice terminating tenancy. Just causes are either at-fault (such as nonpayment of rent or breach of the lease) or no-fault (such as owner move-in or withdrawal of the unit from the rental market). The mere expiration of a lease is not just cause. Relocation assistance — generally one month's rent — is required for every no-fault eviction.
2. The Renovation-Eviction Loophole, Closed
Chapter 8.60's signature reform targets sham "substantial remodel" evictions. Under state law alone, a landlord need only state an intent to remodel. In Buena Park, a landlord who seeks to evict for demolition or substantial renovation must first obtain the necessary building or demolition permits from the city — a mere statement of intent is insufficient — and must offer the tenant two months' rent in relocation assistance.
Penalty for Bad-Faith Renovation Evictions
A landlord who evicts for renovations without genuine intent to perform them may be sued by the tenant for a penalty of up to $15,000.
3. Frequently Asked Questions
Does Buena Park have rent control?
No. Rent increases in Buena Park are governed by AB 1482's statewide cap for covered units. Chapter 8.60 addresses evictions, not rent levels.
My landlord says I must move out for renovations. What are my rights?
Ask whether the landlord has obtained city permits for the work. Without permits, the eviction does not comply with Chapter 8.60, and you are entitled to two months' rent in relocation assistance if the eviction proceeds lawfully.
Where can I get help?
The City's Community and Economic Development Department answers questions about the ordinance at (714) 562-3586, and the Fair Housing Foundation assists tenants at (800) 446-3247. If you have been served with court papers, act quickly — deadlines to respond to an unlawful detainer are short.
Facing Eviction in Buena Park?
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If you have received an eviction notice or unlawful detainer summons in Buena Park, Tenant Eviction Defense can help you determine whether your landlord complied with Chapter 8.60 and state law. Contact us today.
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This article is general legal information, not legal advice. Ordinances change; verify current requirements with the City of Buena Park.
Published August 11, 2026.