Just Cause ordinance reform — substantial remodel loophole
Long Beach
Summary
Dozens of tenants and organizers demanded a 150-day eviction moratorium and a ban on substantial-remodel evictions, citing families displaced during ICE enforcement. The council took no action but the mayor offered to meet with a small group of organizers.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed May 19, 2026.
Impact analysis
Tenant advocates say displacement is driving up city costs in shelters, schools, and emergency services.
Renters facing displacement, particularly immigrant and low-income families.
Landlords who would face restrictions on remodel-based evictions if adopted.
Mentions & discussions (5)
Housing and Public Health Committee - May 19, 2026
The city's Just Cause ordinance lets landlords evict tenants for 'substantial remodels' — a loophole tenant advocates say is abused and landlords say is necessary for repairing Long Beach's aging housing stock. Since April 2023, at least 219 tenants have been displaced from 167 units. The committee took no position but may bring a motion to the full council.
Housing and Public Health Committee - Apr 7, 2026
Renters and advocates urged the committee to strengthen the just cause ordinance: remove the substantial remodel eviction loophole, set a reasonable non-payment threshold, make protections universal, and match county relocation standards. The chair promised a May update.
Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach, California - Special Meeting - Mar 10, 2026
A resident told the Authority that landlords across all nine districts are using 'substantial remodel' evictions to empty buildings, renovate, and raise rents beyond what working tenants can afford. He asked the council to close this loophole.
City Council - Feb 17, 2026
Dozens of tenants and organizers demanded a 150-day eviction moratorium and a ban on substantial-remodel evictions, citing families displaced during ICE enforcement. The council took no action but the mayor offered to meet with a small group of organizers.
Housing and Public Health Committee - Feb 3, 2026
At least 217 tenants have been displaced through substantial-remodel evictions since the policy passed. Committee members are exploring higher relocation assistance, rights of first return, and narrowing exemptions — but staff cautioned enforcement would require new staffing and funding.
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