National Eviction

How long does an eviction take in California?

For landlords and property managers · Updated September 2026

A typical uncontested eviction for unpaid rent in California takes about 5 to 9 weeks.

From our California guide: “An uncontested case runs roughly five to nine weeks.”

If the tenant contests: 3 to 6 months if contested.

The California eviction timeline, step by step

Calendar days for a nonpayment case the tenant does not contest. Business and court days are converted to calendar days.

  1. 1Notice for unpaid rent

    4 days

    From serving the notice until you can file.

    3 court days (about 4 calendar days)

    From our guide: “The three days exclude Saturdays, Sundays and judicial holidays, so in practice this is three court days, not three calendar days.”

  2. 2Court case

    21 to 28 days

    From filing through service and the answer period or first hearing, to a judgment for possession.

    10 court days to answer, then 1-2 weeks for default

    From our guide: “Since 1 January 2025, AB 2347 gives the tenant 10 court days to respond after service, up from five.” and “If no response is filed, the landlord requests a default judgment, which typically takes one to two weeks.”

  3. 3Judgment to possession

    5 days

    Any waiting period before the writ issues, plus the officer's notice before the lockout.

    Writ gives 5 days to vacate after service

    From our guide: “must state that the occupants will be removed if the property is not vacated within five days of service”

What can slow it down

  • Many large cities (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Santa Monica, Berkeley) layer local rent-stabilization and just-cause rules on top that can add requirements and time.
  • A defective notice is the most common reason a case is dismissed and has to start over. Check the form and the delivery method in the full guide before you serve it.
  • A tenant who files an answer, raises a defense or appeals adds hearings and waiting periods. Busy urban dockets can add weeks at every stage.
  • Never change the locks or shut off utilities yourself. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and can cost more than the unpaid rent.

Read the full California eviction guide, with the statute or rule behind each step.

California scores 3 of 10 on our landlord-friendly states map (tenant-leaning).

Compare eviction timelines in every state.

This timeline is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Deadlines change and courts vary by county. Confirm current rules with a licensed California attorney before acting.