Evicting a bad tenant in California costs ~$15,740.
How California handles evictions
Contested evictions routinely run 4–6+ months. Attorney involvement common. AB 2347 (2025) gave tenants 10 court days to respond, lengthening timelines.
The eviction process in California, step by step
Governed by Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1161 et seq. (unlawful detainer).
- 1
Serve 3-day noticeDays 0–3
Pay-or-quit for nonpayment; the 3 days exclude Saturdays, Sundays, and judicial holidays (CCP § 1161(2)).
- 2
File unlawful detainer complaintDay ~4
Filed in Superior Court; $240–$435 filing fee depending on the amount demanded (Gov. Code §§ 70611, 70613).
- 3
Serve summons; tenant respondsDays ~5–17
Tenant has 10 court days to respond since AB 2347 (eff. Jan. 1, 2025: raised from 5).
- 4
Default or trialDays ~18–35
Request default if no response, or set trial, typically ~20 days after the request.
- 5
Judgment for possessionDays ~35–45
Judgment entered for possession plus rent/damages.
- 6
Writ of possessionDay ~45
Clerk issues the writ ($40, Gov. Code § 70626); deliver it with the deposit to the sheriff.
- 7
Sheriff lockoutDays ~50–60
Sheriff posts a 5-day notice to vacate, then restores possession (~$145 deposit, Gov. Code § 26733.5).
California court fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unlawful detainer filing fee | $240 (≤$10k demanded); $385–$435 above |
| Sheriff service of summons | $40 (process servers ~$75–$150) |
| Writ of possession issuance | $40 |
| Sheriff eviction/lockout | ~$145 deposit |
Required notice periods in California
Nonpayment of rent
3-day notice to pay or quit (excluding weekends and judicial holidays)
Lease violation
3-day notice to perform covenants or quit; incurable breach: 3-day unconditional quit
No cause / end of term
30 days (<1 year) / 60 days (≥1 year); AB 1482-covered tenancies of 12+ months require just cause
Statute: CCP § 1161; Civ. Code §§ 1946.1, 1946.2
Most of that loss is preventable.
Bad tenants almost always leave a paper trail, the problem is that most landlords don't check carefully. Here's what a proper screening catches before you sign the lease.
California eviction cost FAQ
How much does it cost to evict someone in California?
Court filing alone runs $240–$435 depending on the amount demanded (Gov. Code §§ 70611, 70613). Add a $40 writ-of-possession fee and roughly $145 in sheriff lockout fees (Gov. Code § 26733.5). All-in court/sheriff costs typically land at $400–$700 before attorney fees.
How long does an eviction take in California?
An uncontested unlawful detainer usually takes 30–60 days from the 3-day notice to the sheriff lockout. Since AB 2347 (eff. Jan. 1, 2025) tenants get 10 court days to respond to the summons, which lengthened timelines; contested cases can run 2–4+ months.
What notice do I give for nonpayment of rent in California?
A 3-day notice to pay rent or quit, with the 3 days excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and judicial holidays (CCP § 1161(2)). Only after it expires unpaid can you file the unlawful detainer.
Can I evict without a reason in California?
Only if the tenancy is exempt from AB 1482 or under 12 months old. Covered tenancies of 12+ months require just cause, and no-fault terminations require one month's rent in relocation assistance (Civ. Code § 1946.2). Otherwise 30-day (<1 yr) or 60-day (≥1 yr) no-cause notices apply (Civ. Code § 1946.1).
Do I have to use the sheriff to remove a tenant in California?
Yes. Only the sheriff may execute the writ of possession; self-help lockouts and utility shutoffs are illegal (Civ. Code § 789.3; CCP § 1174). The sheriff posts a 5-day notice, then locks out.
How much is the eviction filing fee in California?
$240, filed with the Superior Court (Unlawful Detainer). Service, writ, and execution fees are typically extra and vary by county/court.
What court handles evictions in California?
Evictions in California are handled by the Superior Court (Unlawful Detainer).
Sources & methodology
The filing fee is the Superior Court (Unlawful Detainer)'s published fee, last checked against the fee schedule on 2026-07-02. The timeline and typical rent are estimates. Property damage ($3,500), legal fees ($2,500) and turnover ($2,500) are round planning figures, the same for every state, not costs measured in California. Real costs vary by county, whether the tenant contests, and the market. Primary statute: Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1161 et seq. (unlawful detainer).
- Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1161
- Cal. Civ. Code § 1946.2 (just cause, AB 1482)
- CA Statewide Civil Fee Schedule (eff. 01/01/2026)
- L.A. County Sheriff statutory fee schedule
This page is general information, not legal advice. Consult a local attorney for your specific situation.