Unlawful Detainer Process in California
The Unlawful Detainer process is the legal procedure for evicting a tenant in California. Here's an overview:
- 1Serve the appropriate notice (e.g., 3 Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit)
- 2File the Unlawful Detainer complaint with the court if the tenant doesn't comply
- 3Serve the tenant with the Summons and Complaint
- 4Wait for the tenant's response (usually 5 days)
- 5Request a court date if the tenant responds or file for default judgment if they don't
- 6Attend the court hearing
- 7If you win, obtain a Writ of Possession
- 8Schedule the lockout with the sheriff
The entire process can take several weeks to a few months, depending on various factors. An experienced attorney can help navigate this process efficiently.
It's important to follow each step carefully to ensure a successful eviction.