The Ellis Act (California Government Code Section 7060) allows landlords to withdraw rental units from the market entirely. However, LA has enacted strong tenant protections that apply when a landlord invokes the Ellis Act, including mandatory relocation assistance, extended notice periods, and the right of first refusal if the units return to the rental market.
The Ellis Act is a California state law that gives landlords the right to exit the rental housing business by withdrawing all units in a building from the rental market. The landlord must remove all units — they cannot selectively withdraw individual apartments. The law was intended to protect property owners' right to go out of business, but it has been used to convert rent-stabilized buildings to condominiums or other uses.
Landlords must file a notice of intent to withdraw with LAHD and provide tenants with at least 120 days written notice. For tenants who are elderly (62 or older) or disabled, the notice period extends to one full year. The landlord must also notify LAHD of all affected tenants and the relocation amounts owed. If proper notice is not given, the withdrawal is invalid.
Tenants displaced by Ellis Act withdrawals are entitled to relocation assistance under both the RSO and state law. The relocation amounts are the same as for other no-fault evictions and are updated annually by LAHD. Qualifying tenants (seniors, disabled individuals, and families with children) receive higher amounts. The landlord must pay the relocation assistance before the tenant is required to vacate.
If a landlord returns units to the rental market within five years of an Ellis Act withdrawal, they must offer the units back to the displaced tenants at the same rent that was in effect at the time of withdrawal, plus allowable annual increases. If the units return to the market within ten years, the landlord must still offer them at comparable rent levels. LAHD maintains records of Ellis Act withdrawals to enforce these provisions.
2 questions answered
The Ellis Act is a California law allowing landlords to remove buildings from the rental market entirely. They must evict all tenants and cannot re-rent the units for 5–10 years. RSO tenants receive relocation assistance.
If the landlord re-offers the unit for rent within 5 years, they must offer it to you first at the original rent. You have 30 days to accept. Keep your address updated with LAHD after an Ellis Act eviction.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, contact a qualified attorney or one of the free legal services listed above.