California Eviction Process: Notices, Timelines for Landlord
Step-by-step guide to the California eviction process including at-fault and no-fault notices, court procedures, relocation assistance requirements, and te...
Legal Disclaimer
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws change frequently — always verify current regulations and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation. Landager is a property management platform, not a law firm.Information last verified: May 2026.
Evicting a tenant in California is a legally complex process strictly governed by the California Code of Civil Procedure (originally enacted March 11, 1872, effective January 1, 1873). Landlords must follow each step precisely - failure to do so can result in case dismissal and significant delays.
Types of Eviction Notices
Official Law Citation: The rules and regulations outlined on this page are strictly configured under the official California Code of Civil Procedure § 1161. Landlords must always ensure their lease agreements directly adhere to this state code.
California law distinguishes between at-fault and no-fault evictions, each with different notice requirements.
At-Fault Evictions
These apply when the tenant has violated the lease or the law. Per Eshagian v. Cepeda (2025), 3-day notices must explicitly state the expiration date and inform the tenant that weekends and judicial holidays are excluded from the count.
No-Fault Evictions
Under the California Tenant Protection Act (Civil Code § 1946.2), as amended by SB 567 (effective April 1, 2024), no-fault evictions require:
Relocation Assistance
For no-fault evictions under AB 1482, landlords must provide relocation assistance equal to one month's rent. This assistance must be provided within 15 calendar days of service of the notice, either:
- Paid directly to the tenant, or
- Waived as the last month's rent in writing.
This applies to properties covered by the Tenant Protection Act (CC § 1946.2).
The Unlawful Detainer Process
If a tenant does not comply with the eviction notice, the landlord must file an Unlawful Detainer (UD) lawsuit:
Important Restrictions
Retaliatory Evictions Landlords cannot evict tenants in retaliation for:
- Complaining about habitability issues
- Contacting code enforcement
- Exercising legal rights
- Organizing with other tenants
A presumption of retaliation exists if the eviction occurs within 180 days of the tenant's protected activity.
COVID-Era Protections
While state-level COVID eviction moratoriums have expired, some local jurisdictions (such as Los Angeles) may still have local protections. Always check local ordinances.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Case Dismissal
- Improper notice - Wrong notice type, incorrect content, or failure to state the expiration date per Eshagian v. Cepeda.
- Bad service - Not following legal service methods (personal, substitution, or post-and-mail).
- Filing too early - Before the notice period (excluding weekends and holidays) has fully expired.
- Accepting rent after notice - May waive the notice.
- Self-help evictions - Changing locks, shutting off utilities, or removing tenant belongings is illegal (Civil Code §789.3).
How Landager Helps
Landager's lease management system helps you track lease terms, document communications, and set reminders for critical dates - ensuring you have proper records if an eviction becomes necessary.
📬 Get notified when these laws change
We'll email you when landlord-tenant laws update in No spam — only law changes.
