Can I evict a California tenant for unauthorized pets?
Yes, if the lease prohibits pets or requires landlord approval and the tenant has an unauthorized pet, this is a material lease breach that supports eviction. California requires the landlord to serve a cure-or-quit notice (typical periods: 3 days for pay-or-quit under CCP 1161(2), 30 days for no-fault termination (60 for tenancies over 1 year) under AB 1482) demanding the pet be removed or possession returned. Service animals and emotional support animals under the federal Fair Housing Act are NOT pets and cannot be the basis for eviction; refusing them can violate federal law. Document the unauthorized pet (photos, witness reports) before serving notice.
Source: California eviction statute + federal Fair Housing Act
This is an informational answer based on California eviction statute + federal Fair Housing Act as of early 2026. It is not legal advice. Housing law changes year to year and local ordinances (especially in rent-controlled or rent-stabilized cities) can override or add to state law. For contested cases, consult a California-licensed attorney.