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Moving Out · California Tenant Rights

The city ordered my building vacated — am I entitled to relocation help?

Relocation after a red tag or condemnation

You might be, depending on your city's rules and why the building was ordered vacated. When a government agency declares a building unsafe to occupy — sometimes called a red tag or condemnation — displaced tenants in many California cities may be entitled to relocation assistance from the landlord, especially when the landlord's violations caused the problem.

These relocation rules are generally local, so whether you qualify and how much you may receive depends on your city or county ordinance. The reason many of these rules exist is that it seems unfair for tenants to bear the cost of being forced out due to a landlord's failure to keep the property safe and lawful.

Get the official order in writing, note any deadlines, and avoid rushing major decisions before understanding your rights and any assistance you are owed.

Because this overlaps with rules on unsafe and unpermitted housing, and varies so much by location, it is worth checking carefully. If your building was ordered vacated and you are unsure about relocation help, a free, confidential review can look at your notice and explain what may apply where you live.

This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.

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