California’s eviction laws are some of the most detailed and tenant-protective in the country. For landlords, understanding and following the state’s strict eviction timelines is essential. Even a minor mistake—serving notice incorrectly, miscalculating deadlines, or filing paperwork too soon—can cause delays or force landlords to restart the entire process. Knowing these rules helps landlords regain possession faster and avoid costly legal setbacks.
Whether a tenant stops paying rent, violates the lease, or refuses to leave after proper notice, compliance with California’s eviction timelines is key to a smooth and enforceable unlawful detainer action.
Why Timelines Matter in California Evictions
California’s unlawful detainer process is designed to move quickly, but only when landlords follow the rules precisely. The state requires specific notice periods, response deadlines, and filing windows at each stage of the eviction. If these requirements aren’t met:
- The case may be dismissed.
- The landlord may need to re-serve notices.
- The process may be delayed by weeks or even months.
- The court may prohibit recovery of certain damages.
Understanding these triggers helps landlords avoid errors that slow everything down.
Key Eviction Timelines Landlords Must Follow
1. Notice Periods
The proper notice period depends on the reason for eviction:
- 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit — For nonpayment of rent.
- 3-Day Notice to Cure or Quit — For correctable lease violations.
- 3-Day Unconditional Quit Notice — For severe violations (e.g., illegal activity).
- 30-Day or 60-Day Notice to Terminate Tenancy — For no-fault or end-of-lease terminations.
The countdown begins the day after the tenant is served.
2. Waiting Period Before Filing
Landlords must wait for the full notice period to expire before filing an unlawful detainer lawsuit. Filing too early typically results in dismissal and wasted court fees.
3. Tenant’s Response Timeline
Once served with the unlawful detainer summons:
- The tenant has 5 court days to file a response.
- If the tenant does not respond, the landlord may request a default judgment.
If a tenant contests the eviction, the case proceeds to trial.
4. Trial Scheduling
Contested eviction cases are typically set for trial within 10–20 days after the landlord requests it. Because unlawful detainer cases move faster than standard civil matters, preparation is essential.
5. Post-Judgment Enforcement
If the landlord wins:
- The court issues a Writ of Possession,
- The sheriff posts a 5-day notice to vacate,
- If the tenant does not leave, the sheriff performs the lockout.
Compliance with these enforcement timelines ensures landlords can regain possession quickly.
Did You Know?
If a landlord miscalculates even a single day in the notice period, the court may dismiss the case—requiring the entire eviction process to restart from the beginning.
Legal Guidance for Navigating Eviction Timelines
Successful evictions in California rely on precision, documentation, and strict adherence to statutory timelines. At Putterman Law, we guide landlords through every step of the unlawful detainer process—ensuring notices are legally valid, deadlines are met, and filings comply with state and local requirements. Our attorneys work quickly and thoroughly to help landlords avoid delays and regain control of their properties with confidence.
Request a Consultation with Putterman Law
FAQs
What happens if a landlord files an eviction too early?
Filing before the notice period expires typically results in case dismissal, requiring the landlord to restart the process and re-serve notices.
Do weekends count toward eviction deadlines?
For notice periods, weekends count unless the final day falls on a weekend or holiday. For court deadlines, only court days count.
Can landlords shorten the notice period if tenants repeatedly violate the lease?
No. California requires strict adherence to statutory notice periods, even for repeated violations.
How long does a typical California eviction take?
Most uncontested evictions take 30–45 days, while contested cases may take longer depending on court availability and tenant defenses.
How does Putterman Law help landlords avoid eviction delays?
Putterman Law ensures notices are drafted correctly, deadlines are calculated accurately, filings comply with court requirements, and landlords receive strategic guidance throughout the eviction process.
