Unlawful Detainer Process in California

The Unlawful Detainer process is the legal procedure for evicting a tenant in California. Here's an overview:

  1. 1Serve the appropriate notice (e.g., 3 Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit)
  2. 2File the Unlawful Detainer complaint with the court if the tenant doesn't comply
  3. 3Serve the tenant with the Summons and Complaint
  4. 4Wait for the tenant's response (usually 5 days)
  5. 5Request a court date if the tenant responds or file for default judgment if they don't
  6. 6Attend the court hearing
  7. 7If you win, obtain a Writ of Possession
  8. 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.