A no-cause eviction occurs when a landlord asks a tenant to leave without providing a specific reason. While this may seem unfair, it is generally legal in many situations, particularly in month-to-month leases or at the end of a fixed-term lease. However, tenants still have rights, and landlords must follow proper procedures.
Below, we’ll explore when no-cause evictions can happen, the legal requirements, and what tenants can do to protect themselves.
1. When Can a Landlord Issue a No-Cause Eviction?
In most states, a landlord can issue a no-cause eviction in the following situations:
- Month-to-Month Tenancies – If you rent on a month-to-month basis, a landlord can end your lease with proper notice, even without a specific reason.
- End of a Fixed-Term Lease – Once your lease term expires, the landlord is not obligated to renew it.
- Selling or Repurposing the Property – In some cases, landlords may end tenancies to sell the building or convert it to another use.
- Personal Use – Some states allow landlords to reclaim a unit for personal or family use.
Example: In Phoenix, Arizona, a tenant on a month-to-month lease was given 30 days’ notice to vacate because the landlord decided to renovate and sell the property.
2. Legal Requirements for No-Cause Evictions
Even if no cause is required, landlords must follow specific legal procedures, including:
- Providing Proper Notice – The required notice period varies by state:
- 30 days in most states for month-to-month leases.
- 60 or 90 days in some states, especially for long-term tenants.
- Written Notice – A verbal request to move out is usually not legally sufficient. The landlord must give a written notice.
- No Retaliation or Discrimination – A landlord cannot use a no-cause eviction as a cover for retaliation (e.g., because a tenant reported health violations) or discrimination (e.g., based on race, disability, or familial status).
Example: In Portland, Oregon, tenants must receive 90 days’ notice for a no-cause eviction, and landlords must provide relocation assistance in certain cases.
3. Tenant Rights & How to Respond
If you receive a no-cause eviction notice, you have options:
- Check Your Lease – If you have a fixed-term lease that hasn’t expired, the landlord cannot remove you without cause unless the lease allows it.
- Review Local Laws – Some states and cities have additional protections against no-cause evictions.
- Negotiate More Time – If moving immediately is difficult, you can ask the landlord for an extension or offer to pay extra rent to stay longer.
- Seek Legal Advice – If you believe the eviction is unfair or illegal, contact Legal Aid or a tenant rights organization in your area.
Example: In San Francisco, California, no-cause evictions are heavily restricted under local rent control laws, requiring landlords to provide just cause for eviction.
4. Can You Fight a No-Cause Eviction?
In most cases, a no-cause eviction cannot be legally challenged unless:
- The landlord violated the required notice period.
- The eviction was in retaliation for complaints about unsafe conditions.
- The eviction was discriminatory under federal or state housing laws.
If you suspect wrongful eviction, contact a local housing authority or tenant advocacy group immediately.
Example: A tenant in Boston, Massachusetts, successfully delayed a no-cause eviction after proving the landlord failed to provide the required 60-day notice for a tenancy lasting over a year.
Conclusion
No-cause evictions are legal in many cases, particularly for month-to-month leases or expired fixed-term leases. However, landlords must give proper notice and cannot use no-cause evictions as a form of retaliation or discrimination. If you receive such a notice, review local laws, negotiate for more time, or seek legal assistance if necessary.