Table of Contents (9 sections)
California's Changing Eviction Landscape
California landlords face an increasingly complex eviction process in 2025. AB 2347 extended tenant response times from 5 to 10 business days, while SB 567 added stricter documentation requirements for owner move-in evictions. The average contested eviction now takes 60-90 days and costs $3,500-$5,000—leading many property owners to explore alternatives like cash for keys agreements or selling their rental properties entirely.
This comprehensive guide navigates California's current eviction laws, providing landlords with actionable steps, compliance requirements, and strategic alternatives. Whether you're dealing with rent delinquency, property damage, or unauthorized occupants, understanding your options can save thousands in legal fees and months of lost rent.
Key Takeaway
Eviction timelines extended 100% in 2025 due to AB 2347—plan for 60-90 days minimum, not weeks.
Essential Notice Requirements
California law mandates specific notice periods based on the eviction reason. Choosing the wrong notice type invalidates the entire process, forcing landlords to restart and adding weeks to the timeline.
California Notice Types Comparison
| Notice Type | When to Use | Timeline | Can Tenant Cure? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Pay or Quit | Non-payment of rent only | 3 days | Yes - pay in full |
| 3-Day Perform or Quit | Curable lease violations (pets, noise) | 3 days | Yes - fix violation |
| 3-Day Notice to Quit | Incurable breaches (drugs, violence) | 3 days | No |
| 30-Day Notice | Month-to-month, under 1 year tenancy | 30 days | N/A - no cause needed* |
| 60-Day Notice | Month-to-month, 1+ year tenancy | 60 days | N/A - no cause needed* |
California Eviction Costs & Timelines
| Stage | Timeline | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Proper Service Methods
California recognizes three legal service methods, each with specific requirements and court scrutiny levels.
Service Method Hierarchy
Personal Service (Preferred)
Hand delivery directly to the tenant. Most defensible in court. Document date, time, and tenant acknowledgment.
Substituted Service (Secondary)
Deliver to another adult at the residence, then mail a copy. Requires proof of both delivery and mailing.
Posting and Mailing (Last Resort)
Affix to door AND mail via certified mail. Only use after reasonable attempts at personal/substituted service failed.
Key Takeaway
Wrong notice type = restart from zero. Always verify your notice matches the exact violation before serving.
Just Cause Eviction Rules Under AB 1482
The Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482) fundamentally changed California evictions. Understanding which properties are covered—and which are exempt—determines your entire eviction strategy.
Properties Subject to Just Cause
Just cause requirements apply to: multifamily properties built before January 1, 2010 (rolling date), properties owned by corporations, REITs, or LLCs with corporate members, and single-family homes owned by corporations or real estate trusts.
At-Fault Just Causes
No Relocation Required
- •Non-payment after 3-day notice
- •Material lease breach
- •Nuisance or waste
- •Criminal activity on premises
- •Refusing landlord access
- •Unapproved subletting
No-Fault Just Causes
Relocation Assistance Required
- •Owner move-in (family occupancy)
- •Ellis Act withdrawal
- •Substantial remodel (permits required)
- •Demolition or conversion
- •Condo conversion
- •Intent to demolish
California Eviction Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fees | $240 - $450 | Varies by county |
| Process Server | $50 - $150 | Per service attempt |
| Attorney Fees | $1,500 - $5,000+ | If contested |
| Sheriff Lockout | $150 - $400 | Final enforcement |
| Lost Rent (avg) | $3,000 - $8,000 | 2-3 months typical |
Key Takeaway
AB 1482 fundamentally changed California evictions—properties built before 2010 now require just cause for termination after year one.
The Unlawful Detainer Court Process
Once the notice period expires without compliance, landlords can file an unlawful detainer (eviction) lawsuit. This summary court proceeding moves faster than typical civil cases but still requires careful compliance with procedural rules.
Unlawful Detainer Process Steps
Step 1: File the Complaint
Use Judicial Council form UD-100 with all required attachments. Pay filing fees ($240-$450 depending on county). Must file within 60 days of notice expiration.
Step 2: Serve the Tenant
Use process server or sheriff for service. Personal service preferred. Tenant now has 10 BUSINESS DAYS to respond (AB 2347 change effective January 2025).
Step 3A: Default Judgment (No Response)
If tenant doesn't respond, request default judgment. Submit judgment paperwork and proposed writ. Timeline: 30-45 days from filing to eviction.
Step 3B: Contested Case (Tenant Responds)
Court schedules trial within 20 days. Both parties present evidence and witnesses. Judge issues decision immediately or within days. Timeline: 60-90+ days.
Step 4: Obtain Writ of Possession
After judgment, request Writ of Possession from court clerk. Deliver to Sheriff's Department with required fees ($150-$250).
Step 5: Sheriff Enforcement
Sheriff posts 5-day notice to vacate. If tenant remains, sheriff conducts physical eviction. You may need to hire locksmith and movers.
Key Takeaway
AB 2347 doubled response time to 10 business days—factor this into your timeline planning.
City-Specific Requirements
Many California cities impose requirements beyond state law. Landlords must comply with BOTH state and local rules—and local rules are often stricter.
| City | Rent Control Coverage | Annual Increase Limit | Relocation Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Built before Oct 1978 (RSO) | 4% | $8,500-$21,450 |
| San Francisco | Built before June 1979 | 60% of CPI (1.4% for 2025) | $7,662+ per tenant |
| Oakland | Just cause for all residential | CPI-based | $9,875-$15,000 |
| San Diego | Subject to AB 1482 only | 5% + CPI (capped at 10%) | None beyond state |
Key Takeaway
Local rent control adds layers beyond state law—LA, SF, and Oakland have the strictest additional requirements.
Timeline and Cost Analysis
Understanding realistic timelines and total costs helps landlords make informed decisions about whether to pursue eviction or explore alternatives.
| Scenario | Timeline | Direct Costs | Total Cost (incl. lost rent) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Case (Uncontested) | 30-45 days | $1,500-$2,500 | $3,500-$5,000 |
| Typical Contested | 60-90 days | $2,500-$4,000 | $7,500-$12,000 |
| Complex/Appeals | 90-180+ days | $4,000-$8,000+ | $15,000-$25,000+ |
Complete Cost Breakdown
| Cost Category | Low Estimate | High Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fees | $240 | $450 | Varies by county |
| Process Server | $50 | $150 | Multiple attempts may be needed |
| Attorney Fees | $1,000 | $5,000+ | Hourly or flat fee varies |
| Sheriff Lockout | $150 | $250 | Plus waiting time |
| Lost Rent | $2,000 | $10,000+ | Based on monthly rent × months |
| Property Damage | $0 | $5,000+ | Often discovered after possession |
| Turnover Costs | $500 | $3,000 | Cleaning, repairs, re-rental |
Key Takeaway
Total eviction costs often exceed $10,000 when you factor in lost rent, legal fees, and turnover costs.
Common Mistakes That Defeat Evictions
Even valid evictions fail due to procedural errors. Understanding common mistakes helps landlords avoid costly restarts.
- What invalidates a 3-day notice?
Common defects include: demanding late fees or utilities (only base rent allowed), wrong calculation of days, missing required legal language, improper service method, incorrect tenant name, or failure to specify exact violation. Any defect requires starting over.
Key Takeaway
Self-help evictions are NEVER legal in California—penalties range from $100-$2,000 per day plus damages.
Faster Alternatives to Eviction
Given California's lengthy eviction process and high costs, many landlords find alternatives more practical and profitable.
Traditional Eviction
60-90+ Days
- •$3,500-$5,000+ total cost
- •2-3 months lost rent
- •Property damage risk
- •Tenant adversarial
- •Eviction on record
Cash for Keys
1-2 Weeks
- •$1,000-$3,000 negotiated payment
- •Immediate vacancy
- •Property usually preserved
- •Mutual agreement
- •No court record
When Cash for Keys Makes Sense
Selling Your Rental Property: The Permanent Solution
For landlords facing ongoing tenant challenges, repeated eviction costs, or simply tired of California's increasingly complex regulations, selling the property eliminates all future landlord headaches permanently.
Key Takeaway
Cash for keys typically resolves in 1-2 weeks for $1,000-$3,000—often cheaper than a contested eviction.
Taking Action: Your Next Steps
California's eviction landscape continues growing more complex. Your optimal strategy depends on your specific situation.
| Your Situation | Recommended Approach | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Simple non-payment, first offense | 3-day notice → Cash for keys offer | Fastest resolution, often cheapest |
| Repeat offender, documented violations | Formal eviction with attorney | Build strong case for judgment |
| Rent-controlled property | Attorney consultation required | Local rules add complexity |
| Tired of landlording | Sell to cash buyer | Permanent exit, immediate liquidity |
| Problem tenant won't leave | Weigh eviction cost vs. cash for keys | Calculate true total cost both ways |
If you're tired of dealing with problem tenants, extensive regulations, and rising costs, Fast Home Buyer California offers a no-obligation cash offer on any California rental property—even with tenants in place. We handle all tenant situations and can close in as little as 7 days.
Key Takeaway
Consult an eviction attorney before serving any notice—$200-$500 for a consultation can save thousands in mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an eviction take in California in 2025?
Uncontested evictions typically take 30-45 days from notice to lockout. Contested evictions take 60-90+ days. AB 2347, effective January 2025, extended tenant response time from 5 to 10 business days, adding roughly a week to all timelines.
How much does it cost to evict a tenant in California?
Direct costs range from $1,500-$4,000 including court fees, process server, and attorney. Total costs including lost rent typically reach $3,500-$7,500 for uncontested cases and $7,500-$15,000+ for contested evictions.
What is a 3-day notice in California?
A 3-day notice is the first step in California evictions for lease violations. Types include: 3-Day Pay or Quit (rent only, no late fees), 3-Day Perform or Quit (curable violations), and 3-Day Notice to Quit (incurable breaches like criminal activity).
What is just cause eviction under AB 1482?
AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act) requires landlords to have a specific legal reason to evict tenants who have lived in the property for 12+ months. Just causes include non-payment, lease violations, owner move-in, and substantial remodel. No-fault causes require relocation assistance.
Can I evict a tenant for not paying rent in California?
Yes, non-payment is the most common eviction reason. You must serve a 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit specifying only base rent due (no late fees or utilities). If unpaid after 3 days, you can file an unlawful detainer lawsuit.
What is cash for keys in California?
Cash for keys is a negotiated agreement where the landlord pays the tenant to voluntarily vacate by a specific date. Typical amounts range from $1,000-$3,000. This often resolves faster and cheaper than formal eviction while avoiding court.
Can I change the locks on my tenant in California?
No. Self-help evictions including changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities are illegal in California. Penalties include $100-$2,000 per day, actual damages, attorney fees, and the tenant can regain possession immediately.
What are my options if I'm tired of being a landlord in California?
You can sell your rental property to a cash buyer like Fast Home Buyer California—even with tenants in place. We purchase properties with problem tenants, code violations, and as-is condition. Close in 7-14 days with no realtor commissions.
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