Services / Evictions
Eviction & Unlawful Detainer Documents
Professional eviction document preparation for California landlords. From initial notices through unlawful detainer complaints and writs of possession — we prepare the paperwork at your direction at a fraction of attorney fees.
What We Prepare
3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit
The most common eviction notice. Gives the tenant three days to pay past-due rent or move out. Must state the exact amount owed and comply with California's strict notice requirements.
3-Day Notice to Perform Covenant or Quit
Used when a tenant violates a lease term other than non-payment of rent (unauthorized occupants, pets, etc.). Gives three days to fix the violation or move out.
30/60-Day Notice to Vacate
No-fault termination for month-to-month tenancies. 30 days for tenancies under 1 year, 60 days for tenancies over 1 year. Required for owner move-in, substantial remodeling, or withdrawal from the rental market.
Unlawful Detainer Complaint & Summons
The formal court filing that starts the eviction lawsuit when a tenant doesn't comply with the notice. Includes the complaint, summons, and civil case cover sheet.
Request for Entry of Default
Filed when the tenant fails to respond to the UD complaint within 5 days. Allows the case to proceed to judgment without a trial.
Writ of Possession
The court order directing the Sheriff to remove the tenant and return possession to the landlord. Enforced by the Sheriff's Department, not by the landlord directly.
How It Works
Free Consultation
We discuss your rental situation — lease type, reason for eviction, and tenant history. We help you understand which notices and timelines apply so you can make informed decisions about how to proceed.
Document Preparation
We prepare all eviction documents based on your specific circumstances and instructions. California eviction law is highly technical — proper notice content and service are critical. We prepare documents with attention to every required detail.
Service & Filing Instructions
We provide clear instructions for proper service of notices, court filing procedures, Sheriff lockout coordination, and the strict timelines at each stage of the eviction process.
Important: California eviction law is complex and highly tenant-protective. We cannot advise on eviction strategy, whether your grounds for eviction are legally sufficient, or represent you in court. A procedural mistake can delay your case by weeks or result in dismissal. We strongly recommend consulting an attorney for legal advice. We prepare documents at your specific direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a California eviction take?+
The timeline varies. After the notice period expires (3, 30, or 60 days), filing an unlawful detainer complaint takes 1-2 weeks to get a court date if the tenant responds, or about 2-3 weeks for a default judgment if the tenant doesn't respond. After judgment, obtaining a Writ of Possession and scheduling the Sheriff lockout typically adds another 1-3 weeks. Total time: roughly 30-90 days from notice to lockout, assuming no complications.
What is the Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) and does it apply to my property?+
AB 1482 (the California Tenant Protection Act of 2019) requires 'just cause' for evictions after a tenant has lived in the unit for 12+ months, and limits annual rent increases to 5% + CPI or 10%, whichever is lower. It applies to most rental properties except single-family homes not owned by corporations, owner-occupied duplexes, and housing built in the last 15 years. We prepare documents at your direction — consult an attorney to determine whether AB 1482 applies to your specific property.
Can I evict a tenant without going to court?+
No. Self-help evictions are illegal in California. You cannot change locks, shut off utilities, remove the tenant's belongings, or physically remove the tenant yourself. Doing so can result in significant liability. The eviction must go through the legal process: proper notice → unlawful detainer lawsuit → court judgment → writ of possession → Sheriff lockout.
What are the notice requirements during local emergencies?+
While statewide COVID eviction protections have largely expired, some cities and counties maintain local ordinances that extend tenant protections beyond state law. Always check your local city and county ordinances before serving a notice. We prepare documents based on your instructions — it is your responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.
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Need Eviction Documents?
Schedule a free consultation — we'll prepare your eviction paperwork at your direction. Response within 24 hours.