California lawmakers are again taking aim at the ability of landlords to terminate tenancies.

February brought the introduction of two “just cause” for eviction bills  — AB 1481 by Assemblyman Rob Bonta, D-Alameda, and AB 1697 by Assemblyman Tim Grayson, D-Concord. AB 1481 marks Bonta’s second attempt to pass statewide “just cause” legislation in as many years.

Both Grayson’s and Bonta’s proposals would limit evictions to certain causes, such as failure to pay rent, a substantial breach of the lease, or use of the property for illegal activity. Criminal activity unrelated to the rental unit, however, wouldn’t count as a “just cause” under the bills. 

Under current state law, property owners can terminate a tenancy with a 30- or 60-day notice without listing a cause, although most rent control cities have just cause requirements.

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