Statewide · California
Cash for keys and tenant buyouts: a voluntary agreement is not an eviction shortcut
“Cash for keys” commonly describes an agreement in which an occupant voluntarily agrees to leave in exchange for money or another benefit. It is different from an eviction and cannot be used to bypass tenant rights or local buyout rules.
Current official-source position
What an owner should understand first.
The California Department of Real Estate has an older, foreclosure-focused consumer alert emphasizing authority, a written agreement, careful review, and payment before keys are surrendered. It is not a complete statement of current law. Pasadena provides a useful current example of a city with specific buyout notices and cancellation protections.
Participation should be voluntary and free from harassment, retaliation, discrimination, or misrepresentation.
The agreement should clearly address payment, move-out date, condition, belongings, deposits, claims, access, and delivery of possession.
Local law may require disclosures, a particular form, translation, filing, reporting, or a cancellation period.
A voluntary buyout should be evaluated separately from mandatory relocation assistance that may apply to a no-fault termination.
Before changing a tenancy
Five checks before action.
A broker can identify sale and valuation implications. An attorney or appropriate housing professional should evaluate the legal facts and documents.
- 01Check local buyout rules
- 02Verify the negotiator’s authority
- 03Use a written agreement
- 04Allow independent review
- 05Coordinate payment and delivery of possession
Official reading
Continue at the original source.
These are summaries and links, not copied municipal articles. Open the source to review its complete language, forms, dates, and contact information.
Cash for Keys — Information for Consumers and DRE Licensees
An older, foreclosure-specific alert with general cautions about authority, written terms, review, and payment. Use only with current legal advice.
Open official sourceCity of Pasadena Rent Stabilization Department · April 2025Buy-Out Negotiations
A current local example explaining Pasadena-specific tenant buyout rights and procedural protections.
Open official sourceCity of Pasadena Rent Stabilization Department · Current form resourceNotice of Tenant Buyout Rights
The official Pasadena notice intended to summarize rights and landlord obligations during buyout negotiations.
Open official sourceConfidential owner conversation
Understand the property before choosing the process.
We can review value, timing, buyer positioning, and sale preparation while legal counsel handles legal conclusions and notices.