Relocation money is a payment your landlord must make when you are forced to move out for a reason that is not your fault, such as an owner move-in, a substantial remodel, or taking the unit off the rental market. Under California’s Tenant Protection Act, covered tenants who have lived in their unit for at least 12 months are owed one month’s rent, paid within 15 days of the notice, or a written waiver of their final month’s rent. Many cities require more.
Imagine you’re settled in your home when your landlord tells you that you have to move out. You didn’t miss rent or break the lease; the landlord simply wants to renovate, move in, or stop renting the unit. Packing, movers, and a new security deposit can cost thousands of dollars. Relocation money exists so you aren’t left paying for a move you didn’t choose.
Who Qualifies for Relocation Money?
Relocation money applies to no-fault evictions, meaning you’re asked to leave for reasons that have nothing to do with your conduct. Under California Civil Code §1946.2, common no-fault reasons include:
- The owner or a close family member plans to move in
- The owner is taking the unit off the rental market
- A substantial remodel or demolition that requires the unit to be empty
- A government order to vacate
Under state law, you generally qualify if your unit is covered by the Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) and you’ve lived there for at least 12 months. Selling the building is not a no-fault reason to evict you; a new owner must honor your tenancy.
How Much Relocation Money Do You Get?
It depends on where you live:
- State minimum: one month’s rent, or a written waiver of your final month’s rent, for covered units.
- Cities with stronger rules: many cities require more. For example, Cudahy requires three months’ rent, plus one extra month for seniors, people with disabilities, low-income tenants, and families with children.
- Large cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, and other rent-controlled cities set their own relocation amounts, which often change every year and can be much higher than the state minimum. Check your city’s housing department for current figures.
For a deeper look at amounts and how to claim them, see our full guide to California tenant relocation assistance.
When Must the Landlord Pay?
- The notice must tell you: a no-fault termination notice has to inform you of your right to relocation assistance.
- Payment deadline: under state law, a direct payment is due within 15 calendar days after you receive the notice.
- No payment, no valid notice: if the landlord doesn’t provide the required relocation assistance, the termination notice can be void.
If your landlord skipped these steps, you may be able to challenge the eviction. Learn about our wrongful eviction representation.
Relocation Money vs. Temporary Relocation vs. Buyouts
- Relocation money is required when your tenancy ends permanently for a no-fault reason.
- Temporary relocation applies when you must leave for a while, for example during repairs, and then return. Some cities require daily payments or comparable housing, and when a city orders a unit vacated because of unsafe conditions the landlord caused, Health and Safety Code §17975 may require the landlord to pay relocation benefits.
- A buyout, sometimes called “cash for keys,” is a voluntary deal where the landlord pays you to leave. You don’t have to accept it, and the amount is negotiable. Talk to a lawyer before signing, since a buyout can be worth far more than the legal minimum.
Key Takeaways
- Relocation money is owed in many no-fault evictions, not when the tenant is at fault.
- California’s minimum is one month’s rent for covered tenants who have lived in the unit at least 12 months.
- Payment is due within 15 days of the notice, and a notice without it can be void.
- Many cities require more than the state minimum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is relocation money?
It’s a payment landlords must make when a tenant has to move out for a no-fault reason, such as an owner move-in, a substantial remodel, or taking the unit off the rental market.
Do landlords have to pay me to leave?
For no-fault evictions of covered tenants, yes. California requires at least one month’s rent or a written waiver of the final month’s rent, and some cities require more.
How much relocation money will I get in California?
The state minimum is one month’s rent. Cities like Cudahy require three months or more, and Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland set their own amounts.
When does my landlord have to pay relocation money?
Under state law, a direct payment is due within 15 calendar days after you receive the termination notice.
What if my landlord doesn’t pay relocation money?
A no-fault termination notice can be void if the required relocation assistance isn’t provided. Talk to a tenant lawyer about challenging the eviction.
Do I get relocation money if my landlord sells the building?
A sale alone isn’t a reason to evict you. If the new owner later ends your tenancy for a no-fault reason, such as moving in, relocation rules apply.
Does relocation money apply if I’m evicted for not paying rent?
No. Relocation money only applies to no-fault evictions, not evictions caused by the tenant, like unpaid rent or lease violations.
Is a buyout the same as relocation money?
No. Relocation money is required by law; a buyout is a voluntary, negotiable deal to move out, and it can be worth much more.
Don’t Let a Simple Rule Decide Something This Important
Getting a notice to move out is stressful, and many tenants never collect the money they’re owed. At The Law Firm For Tenant Rights, Inc., we help tenants understand their rights and get what the law requires. Contact us for a free consultation, or call 866-939-8224.
Have another question? See all our tenant rights FAQs.