Can a California landlord evict a tenant for not signing a pet addendum?
Quick answer
Not for that reason alone. From April 1, 2027, Civil Code 1942.7.5(i) says a tenant's failure to sign a pet addendum cannot be the sole basis of an unlawful detainer (eviction) action. Landlords can still enforce a material breach of the lease and can require a signed pet addendum before approving a tenant's request to keep a pet.
What does the law say? Key facts and official sources
| Item | What the law says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Start date | Operative April 1, 2027 (1942.7.5(m)) | Cal. Civ. Code 1942.7.5 (SB 1296, Ch. 1025) |
| No sole-basis eviction | A tenant's failure to sign a pet addendum shall not form the sole basis of any unlawful detainer action against the tenant (1942.7.5(i)(1)) | Cal. Civ. Code 1942.7.5 (SB 1296, Ch. 1025) |
| Lease breaches | Nothing in (i) enlarges or diminishes the landlord's ability to enforce a material breach of the lease as a basis for unlawful detainer (1942.7.5(i)(2)) | Cal. Civ. Code 1942.7.5 (SB 1296, Ch. 1025) |
| Approving a pet | A landlord may require execution of a pet addendum as a condition of approving a tenant's request to keep a pet (1942.7.5(i)(3)) | Cal. Civ. Code 1942.7.5 (SB 1296, Ch. 1025) |
| Pet addendum | A writing that is part of a lease agreement and sets out the property's pet policy (1942.7.5(a)(2)) | Cal. Civ. Code 1942.7.5 (SB 1296, Ch. 1025) |
| Assistance animals | The section does not affect rights or duties for service, support or other assistance animals (1942.7.5(k)) | Cal. Civ. Code 1942.7.5 (SB 1296, Ch. 1025) |
| Penalty | The section sets no civil fine. Its stated remedy is the application-fee refund in 1942.7.5(h); other California laws may apply depending on the facts | Cal. Civ. Code 1942.7.5 (SB 1296, Ch. 1025) |
| Last verified | October 30, 2026 | Astor Ventures |
Can I require a signed addendum before a tenant gets a pet?
Yes. Subsection (i)(3) lets a landlord make signing the pet addendum a condition of approving a request to keep a pet.
What if the tenant breaks the pet rules in the lease?
Subsection (i)(2) keeps your existing ability to treat a material breach of the lease as grounds for unlawful detainer; the section does not enlarge or reduce it. Other California eviction rules still apply.
Does this cover service or support animals?
No. Rights and duties for service, support and other assistance animals under state or federal law are unchanged (1942.7.5(k)).
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What else do people ask?
When does this start?
April 1, 2027 (1942.7.5(m)).
Can I still say no to pets?
Yes. The section does not require allowing pets and lets landlords deny or restrict pets based on the written policy, the lease or other listed reasons (1942.7.5(j), (l)).
Is there a fine?
The section sets no dollar fine.
Is this legal advice?
No. General information only.
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