Outline of the Eviction Process in California

1. Grounds for Eviction

• Legal reasons required (just cause for tenancies over 12 months):
  • At-fault: Non-payment of rent, lease violation (e.g., unauthorized pets), illegal activity.
  • No-fault: Owner move-in, substantial remodel, withdrawal from rental market, government order.
  • End of lease term (fixed-term or month-to-month).
• Laws: Cal. Civ. Code § 1946.2 (just-cause); Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1161–1179a (eviction procedures).

2. Notice to Quit

• Written notice served:
  • Non-payment: 3-day notice to pay or quit.
  • Lease violation: 3-day notice to cure or quit (if curable); 3-day notice to quit (non-curable).
  • Month-to-month: 60-day notice (30-day if less than 12 months).
  • No-fault/end of lease: 60-day notice (e.g., owner move-in); 30-day (fixed-term lease termination).
• Delivery: Personal delivery, substituted service, or posted and mailed (certified mail).
• Tenant can cure by paying rent or fixing violation (within 3 days); no-fault may require relocation assistance.

3. Filing the Eviction Case

• File Unlawful Detainer in Superior Court.
• Documents: Complaint, summons, Notice to Quit, lease, proof of service.
• Fee: ~$240–$435 (varies by county).
• Timing: After notice period expires (e.g., 4th day for 3-day notice).

4. Serving the Summons and Complaint

• Sheriff, marshal, or process server serves papers 5–15 days before response deadline.
• Methods: Personal delivery, substituted service, or posted and mailed (with court approval).
• Tenant has 5 days (or 15 days if not personally served) to file Answer or Demurrer.

5. Court Hearing

• Held within 20 days after filing.
• Landlord presents evidence; tenant raises defenses (e.g., improper notice, uninhabitable conditions).
• Outcomes: Eviction granted, case dismissed, or agreement (e.g., mediation).

6. Judgment and Execution

• Writ of Possession if landlord wins.
• Appeal: 5 days (requires bond).
• Writ issued: ~5–10 days post-judgment; sheriff serves 5-day notice to vacate.

7. Physical Eviction

• Sheriff removes tenant; landlord stores belongings (30 days or per local ordinance).
• Tenant can reclaim property by paying storage costs.
• Law: Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1174; Cal. Civ. Code § 1988.

8. Tenant Protections

• Rights:
  • Cure violations (3 days), just-cause protections, defenses (retaliation, discrimination, rent control).
  • Right to counsel (low-income tenants in some cities).
  • Local rent control in select cities.
• Resources:
  • Tenants Together (415-495-8100), tenantstogether.org, selfhelp.courts.ca.gov.

Notes

• Disclaimer: General guide; consult a lawyer. Local ordinances may apply.
• Sources: Cal. Civ. Code § 1946.2; Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1161–1179a; selfhelp.courts.ca.gov.