See what happens at each stage of a California unlawful detainer case. Toggle between the landlord's and the tenant's side to see that side's deadlines and next steps. General information only — actual timelines vary by court and by how the other side responds.
A 3-Day (Pay or Quit / Cure or Quit), 30-Day, 60-Day, or 90-Day notice is prepared and served on the tenant, matching the reason for the eviction.
The tenant has the full statutory notice period to comply — pay the rent, cure the issue — or vacate before a complaint can be filed.
If the tenant has not complied or vacated, the complaint and summons are prepared, filed with LA Superior Court, and served on all named occupants.
The tenant has 10 court days from service to file a response (AB 2347, effective January 1, 2025).
Uncontested cases move to a request for entry of default and judgment. Contested cases proceed toward a trial date set by the court.
Once judgment is entered, the Judgment and the Writ of Possession are prepared for filing with the courthouse.
Sheriff's Instructions are prepared and submitted. Posting and lockout scheduling are handled entirely by the Sheriff's Office on its own calendar, which varies by station and caseload.
A 3-Day, 30-Day, 60-Day, or 90-Day notice arrives from the landlord, stating the reason and the deadline to comply or move out.
This is the window to pay, cure the issue, or make other arrangements before a court case can be filed against you.
If the notice period passes without resolution, the landlord may file a court case and have the complaint and summons served on you.
Your response deadline is 10 court days from the date you are served (AB 2347). Missing this deadline can result in a default judgment against you.
If the case is contested it proceeds toward a hearing or trial date. Contested court appearances are referred to our attorney network.
The landlord may obtain a Writ of Possession, and the Sheriff's Office schedules the lockout on its own timeline. Timing matters at this stage — ask early about what can still be prepared.
Timelines above are general ranges under California law and Los Angeles County court practice. Actual dates depend on your specific notice, how the other side responds, and each court's current calendar.