Step 1: Provide Proper Notice

California requires landlords to serve tenants with the appropriate written notice before starting eviction. Use a 3‑Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit for unpaid rent, a 30‑Day or 60‑Day Notice for no‑fault terminations, or a 3‑Day Notice to Cure or Quit for lease violations. Make sure you complete the notice correctly and deliver it in person or by posting and mailing in accordance with state law.

Step 2: File an Unlawful Detainer Case

If the tenant doesn’t comply with your notice, the next step is to file an unlawful detainer lawsuit in the superior court of the county where the property is located. Prepare the required forms (including the complaint and summons), pay the filing fee, and receive a court date.

Step 3: Serve the Tenant

After filing, you must serve the tenant with the court papers (summons and complaint) using a process server or sheriff. This step is crucial—improper service can delay your case.

Step 4: Attend the Court Hearing

At the hearing, present your evidence—copies of the lease, notices, proof of service, and any documentation of nonpayment or breaches. If the court rules in your favor, you will receive a judgment for possession and, possibly, back rent.

Step 5: Sheriff Lockout and Possession

With a judgment, obtain a Writ of Possession and coordinate with the sheriff’s office to schedule a lockout. The sheriff will post a Notice to Vacate, typically giving the tenant five days to leave. If they remain, the sheriff will remove them and return possession to you.

Partner With Professionals

The eviction process in California is technical and time sensitive. Working with an experienced service like TenantExit Solutions ensures your notices and filings are handled correctly, helping you avoid costly mistakes and reclaim your property more efficiently. For guidance with evictions across California, email us at [email protected] or [email protected].