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Bell Gardens Adopts New Nonpayment Eviction Threshold

August 30, 2026 0 Comment Category: Estate Law

What Rental Property Owners Need to Know

The Bell Gardens City Council has adopted a new restriction affecting when rental housing providers may begin eviction proceedings based on unpaid rent.

Under the new rule, a tenant’s total unpaid rent must exceed one month of the applicable Fair Market Rent before a property owner may proceed with a nonpayment eviction.

This threshold is based on Fair Market Rent—not necessarily the tenant’s actual monthly contract rent.

How the New Threshold Works

Fair Market Rent is determined and updated annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The applicable amount may vary depending on the rental unit.

If a tenant’s actual monthly rent is lower than the applicable Fair Market Rent, a larger unpaid balance may need to accumulate before the property owner can begin eviction proceedings.

The rule changes when an eviction based on nonpayment may proceed. It does not automatically cancel or forgive the tenant’s outstanding rental debt.

Why This Change Matters

Serving a notice or filing an eviction before the required threshold has been reached could result in delays, dismissal of the case, additional legal expenses, or the need to restart the process.

Property owners should not assume that one missed monthly payment automatically meets the new requirement.

What Bell Gardens Property Owners Should Do

Before serving a notice or beginning an eviction based on unpaid rent, property owners should:

• Confirm whether the property and tenancy are covered by the ordinance.
• Verify the ordinance’s effective date.
• Identify the current Fair Market Rent applicable to the rental unit.
• Compare the tenant’s total unpaid balance with the required threshold.
• Review existing rent ledgers, notices, and collection procedures.
• Seek legal guidance before taking enforcement action.

Need Guidance on Your Bell Gardens Property?

Nonpayment eviction requirements are highly technical, and local rules may create additional requirements beyond California law.

Our team can help property owners determine whether the ordinance applies, calculate the applicable threshold, review the tenant’s payment history, and prepare legally compliant notices.