California · Tenant Rights
California Eviction Notice: What Tenants Should Do Next
Understand California eviction notices, 3-day and 30- or 60-day timelines, response options, court papers, and illegal lockouts.
A notice is usually the first step
California Courts explains that a landlord generally gives a written notice before starting an unlawful detainer case. It states the reason, requested action, and deadline.
A landlord normally cannot remove a tenant simply by delivering a notice. If unresolved, the landlord must use the court process.
Identify the notice and count carefully
Common notices include 3-day pay-or-quit, perform-or-quit, and quit notices, plus 30-day or 60-day notices for some month-to-month tenancies.
Weekends and court holidays are not counted for some 3-day deadlines. Local and federal housing rules may add protections.
Preserve records and respond
Keep the notice, envelope, lease, payment history, repair requests, messages, photographs, and proof of payment or correction.
- Check the amount, reason, deadline, and service
- Keep proof if you pay or fix an issue
- Seek help quickly if disputed
- Watch for a court Summons and Complaint
Lockouts are not the court process
California Courts warns that a landlord cannot force a tenant out by changing locks, shutting off utilities, or removing belongings instead of using legal process.
Court response deadlines can be short, so use current court instructions promptly.