Under California's rules for residential care facilities for the elderly, a home can only evict a resident for specific reasons, and in most cases must give 30 days' written notice. This is a summary, not legal advice.
Allowed reasons
- Not paying within 10 days of the due date.
- Breaking state or local law, or reasonable written house rules, after written notice.
- Care needs have changed and the home can no longer meet them, after a formal reappraisal.
- The home is closing or changing its use, which requires 60 days' notice.
A shorter 3-day notice is only allowed with prior written approval from the Department of Social Services, for behavior that threatens health or safety.
What the notice must include
The reasons, with specific facts, the effective date, information about other housing options, and the resident's right to complain to the Department of Social Services. A copy must go to the resident's responsible person. A home cannot physically remove a resident without going through court.
What to do now
- Ask the home for the reappraisal and the specific facts in writing.
- Call your local Long-Term Care Ombudsman, a free advocate for residents.
- Start looking for the next home today, even if you plan to dispute the notice.
If the reason is changed care needs, the next home has to be one that can actually meet them, or you will be in the same position again. We match the care appraisal to homes that are licensed and staffed for it.
Reviewed October 2, 2026. General information, not medical or legal advice. Talk with your loved one's doctor about their health.