On what grounds can a tenant be lawfully evicted in California?

A tenant can be lawfully evicted in California for several specific reasons, which include non-payment of rent, lease violations, or property damage. Non-payment of rent occurs when a tenant fails to pay rent as stipulated in the rental agreement. This is one of the most common grounds for eviction. Lease violations refer to any breaches of the terms outlined in the lease, such as unauthorized pets or alterations made without the landlord's permission. Lastly, property damage involves a tenant causing significant harm to the rental unit, which can also justify eviction due to the need to protect the property.

While the other options might seem plausible, they do not collectively encompass the broader and more established grounds for eviction recognized under California law. Refusal to sign a new lease may lead to complications but does not automatically warrant an eviction, especially if the tenant is current on rent and abiding by the original lease. Exceeding the maximum number of occupants and obstructing the landlord's access are issues that could lead to eviction, but they often require specific circumstances and prior notice. Thus, the comprehensive nature of non-payment of rent, lease violations, and property damage as valid and enforceable grounds makes them the most direct and legally recognized reasons for eviction in California.