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Just-Cause Eviction Requirements by State 2026

5 of 51 jurisdictions require just cause to terminate a tenancy, see all allowed reasons, notice periods, and exemptions.

5 states/DC require just cause: California, Washington DC, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington. In all other states, landlords may end a month-to-month tenancy with a written no-cause notice.

All States, Just-Cause Status & No-Cause Notice Period

Alabama
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
Alaska
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
Arizona
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
Arkansas
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
California
Just cause required
Just Cause
Colorado
No-cause notice: 91 days
No Cause OK
Connecticut
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
Delaware
No-cause notice: 60 days
No Cause OK
District of Columbia
Just cause required
Just Cause
Florida
No-cause notice: 15 days
No Cause OK
Georgia
No-cause notice: 60 days
No Cause OK
Hawaii
No-cause notice: 45 days
No Cause OK
Idaho
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
Illinois
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
Indiana
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
Iowa
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
Kansas
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
Kentucky
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
Louisiana
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
Maine
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
Maryland
No-cause notice: 60 days
No Cause OK
Massachusetts
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
Michigan
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
Minnesota
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
Mississippi
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
Missouri
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
Montana
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
Nebraska
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
Nevada
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
New Hampshire
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
New Jersey
Just cause required
Just Cause
New Mexico
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
New York
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
North Carolina
No-cause notice: 7 days
No Cause OK
North Dakota
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
Ohio
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
Oklahoma
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
Oregon
Just cause required
Just Cause
Pennsylvania
No-cause notice: 15 days
No Cause OK
Rhode Island
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
South Carolina
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
South Dakota
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
Tennessee
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
Texas
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
Utah
No-cause notice: 15 days
No Cause OK
Vermont
No-cause notice: 60 days
No Cause OK
Virginia
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
Washington
Just cause required
Just Cause
West Virginia
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK
Wisconsin
No-cause notice: 28 days
No Cause OK
Wyoming
No-cause notice: 30 days
No Cause OK

What Is Just-Cause Eviction?

Just-cause eviction laws require landlords to have a legally recognized reason before terminating a tenancy, even after a lease expires. Allowed reasons typically fall into two categories: at-fault (nonpayment, lease violation, criminal activity) and no-fault (owner move-in, demolition, substantial remodel). Without a just-cause law, landlords in most states can issue a no-cause or "no-fault" notice, typically 30 days for month-to-month tenants, requiring the tenant to vacate without stating any reason.

As of 2026, five jurisdictions have statewide just-cause requirements: California (AB 1482), Washington DC, New Jersey, Oregon (SB 608), and Washington state (SB 5160). Several large cities including New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Portland, layer on additional local protections that go beyond state law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is just-cause eviction?

Just-cause eviction means a landlord must have a legally recognized reason, such as nonpayment of rent, lease violation, or owner move-in, before terminating a tenancy. Without a just-cause requirement, landlords in most states can end a month-to-month tenancy with a written no-cause notice (commonly 30 or 60 days).

Which states require just-cause for eviction?

As of 2026, five jurisdictions have statewide just-cause eviction laws: California (AB 1482), Washington DC, New Jersey, Oregon (SB 608), and Washington (SB 5160). Some cities in other states (e.g., New York City, Chicago, Denver, Atlanta) have local just-cause ordinances.

Can a landlord evict without cause in most states?

Yes. In the 46 states without a statewide just-cause law, landlords can terminate a month-to-month tenancy by giving proper written notice, typically 30 days, though some states require 60 or 90 days. No reason is required. A fixed-term lease cannot be ended early without cause.

Does just-cause eviction apply to all rental units?

No. Most just-cause laws have exemptions. California exempts units built within the last 15 years and single-family homes with proper notice. Oregon exempts the first 12 months of tenancy. New Jersey exempts owner-occupied 1-2 unit buildings. Always check your state's specific statute.

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Sources: Cal. Civ. Code § 1946.2; D.C. Code § 42-3505.01; N.J.S.A. § 2A:18-61.1; O.R.S. § 90.427; RCW § 59.18.650. Individual state pages cite the controlling statute. Last updated August 28, 2026. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.