Glendale Unlawful Detainer Lawyers

Los Angeles County Eviction Attorneys for Residential Landlords

There are a variety of reasons that landlords may choose to evict residential tenants. While failure to pay rent is the most common reason, landlords may also pursue evictions based on illegal activity on the property or violations of the terms of a lease. The legal process of eviction is known as "unlawful detainer," and landlords will need to make sure they follow the correct procedures, since failure to do so may affect their ability to evict a troublesome tenant. By working with an experienced lawyer, landlords can make sure they meet all requirements, file the proper forms, and take the correct actions to protect their interests.

At Tahmazian Law Firm, P.C., we provide legal help and representation in a wide variety of matters, including assisting landlords with eviction cases. Our attorneys have over 30 years of experience, and with our understanding of the state and local laws that affect unlawful detainer, we can make sure you follow the correct steps to complete evictions successfully. We will help you file the proper notices, and we will provide you with representation during court proceedings, allowing you to resolve these issues and continue generating income through the property you own.

Issues Affecting Unlawful Detainer in California

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many difficulties for landlords, and evictions were temporarily halted to protect the safety of tenants. However, as of October 1, 2021, evictions are once more allowed in California, although landlords may need to meet certain requirements when evicting tenants based on the failure to pay rent either before or after that date.

Before proceeding with an unlawful detainer case, a landlord must provide a notice of termination to tenants. This notice will state the reasons for the termination of the lease, the amount of rent that is due, and the deadline for paying rent or vacating the property. The required notices will differ depending on the dates when rent was unpaid:

• For rent due between March 1, 2020 and August 31, 2020 - A landlord must provide tenants with a General Notice that provides information about California's rental assistance program. A 15-day notice must also be provided stating that tenants must pay the rent owed, leave the home, or provide a declaration. If a tenant files a declaration of financial distress related to COVID-19, they will be protected from eviction, although a landlord may file a civil lawsuit to collect the rent owed.
• For rent due between September 1, 2020 and September 30, 2021 - A landlord must provide tenants with a 15-day notice of termination, and this notice must also include an unsigned declaration of financial distress related to COVID-19. Tenants will be protected from eviction if they pay at least 25% of the unpaid rent due during this period, and a landlord may file a civil lawsuit to collect the remaining amount.
• For rent due between October 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022 - In cases where tenancy began before October 1, 2021, a landlord must provide tenants with a special notice to pay rent or quit the property, and this notice must give tenants at least three days to meet their obligations. The notice must also state that tenants will have 15 days to apply for emergency rental assistance.
• For rent due after October 1, 2021 - In cases where tenancy began after October 1, 2021, a landlord must provide tenants with a three-day notice to pay the amount owed or move out.

If a tenant does not meet their requirements by the deadline specified in a notice, a landlord may file a complaint for unlawful detainer. Landlords may be required to show that they applied for rental assistance and the application was denied, or they may declare that they received no response from a rental assistance program or communication from a tenant regarding a rental assistance application.

After filing a complaint, a landlord will need to have this complaint served on the tenant. If the tenant does not respond to the complaint within five days, the landlord may ask for a default judgment allowing the eviction to move forward. If the tenant does respond, a trial date will be set. If the judge decides in favor of the landlord, the landlord can take steps to evict the tenant by filing a Writ of Execution with the local sheriff. The sheriff will provide the tenant with a Notice to Vacate, which will give them five days to move out. After five days, the sheriff may remove the tenant from the property and lock them out of the home.

Contact Our Glendale Eviction Attorneys

If you are a landlord who needs to evict residential tenants, our firm can provide you with legal help during this process. We will make sure you file the correct notices and apply for emergency rental assistance where appropriate. We can ensure that you complete all requirements during the unlawful detainer process, allowing you to evict problem tenants as quickly and efficiently as possible. Contact our office today at 818-242-8201 to arrange a free consultation and learn more about our legal services. We assist with unlawful detainer and civil litigation in Los Angeles and Los Angeles County, including Ventura County, Hollywood, Glendale, Burbank, Encino, Riverside County, North Hollywood, and Pacoima.