Eviction can be a stressful and confusing experience for any tenant. In California, the eviction process, also known as an unlawful detainer lawsuit, is governed by specific laws and procedures that landlords must follow. Understanding your rights and options as a tenant is crucial for protecting yourself and your family.
This guide addresses 100 of the most common questions California tenants ask when facing the threat of eviction. While this information is not a substitute for legal advice from a qualified attorney, it aims to provide valuable insights and guidance to help you navigate this challenging situation.
General Eviction Questions
- What is an eviction?
- What is the eviction process in California?
- How long does it take to get evicted in California?
- Can my landlord evict me without going to court?
- What are the grounds for eviction in California?
- What is a “notice to quit”?
- How much time do I have to move out after receiving a notice to quit?
- What is a 3-day notice to pay or quit?
- What is a 30-day notice to vacate?
- What is a 60-day notice to vacate?
- What if I can’t afford to pay rent?
- What are my options if I’m facing eviction?
- What should I do if I receive an eviction notice?
- Can I fight an eviction?
- What are some common defenses to eviction?
- What happens if I lose the eviction case?
- Will I have an eviction on my record?
- Can I be evicted for having a pet?
- Can I be evicted for causing damage to the property?
- Can I be evicted for having too many people living in my unit?
- Can I be evicted for being a nuisance?
- Can I be evicted if my lease is up?
- Can I be evicted if I’m a victim of domestic violence?
- Can I be evicted if I have a disability?
- Where can I get help with an eviction?
Questions About Specific Eviction Situations
- Can I be evicted for non-payment of rent if I lost my job due to COVID-19?
- Can I be evicted if I have a Section 8 voucher?
- Can I be evicted if I’m living in a rent-controlled apartment?
- Can I be evicted if I’m a senior citizen?
- Can I be evicted if I have children?
- Can I be evicted if I’m pregnant?
- Can I be evicted if I have a roommate?
- Can I be evicted if I sublet my apartment?
- Can I be evicted if I’m in the military?
- Can I be evicted if I’m in jail?
Questions About the Eviction Process
- What is an unlawful detainer lawsuit?
- What is a summons and complaint?
- What is an answer?
- What is a default judgment?
- What is a trial?
- What is a writ of possession?
- What is a sheriff’s lockout?
- Can I appeal an eviction?
- How can I stop an eviction?
- What is a stay of execution?
- What is a motion to quash?
- What is a motion to vacate?
- What is a settlement agreement?
- What is mediation?
- What is arbitration?
Questions About Tenant Rights
- What are my rights as a tenant in California?
- Can my landlord enter my apartment without my permission?
- Can my landlord retaliate against me for reporting a code violation?
- What is a tenant’s union?
- What is a rent board?
- What is a lease agreement?
- What is a security deposit?
- What is a landlord’s duty to repair?
- What is habitability?
- What is constructive eviction?
Questions About Landlord Responsibilities
- What are my landlord’s responsibilities?
- Can my landlord raise my rent?
- Can my landlord enter my apartment to show it to prospective tenants?
- Can my landlord sell the property while I’m living there?
- What is a landlord’s duty to disclose?
- Can my landlord evict me for no reason?
- What are the rules for late fees?
- Can my landlord refuse to renew my lease?
Questions About COVID-19 and Eviction
- Can I be evicted for non-payment of rent due to COVID-19?
- What are the eviction protections for tenants affected by COVID-19?
- What is the COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act?
- What is a declaration of COVID-19-related financial distress?
- What is rental assistance?
Questions About Legal Assistance
- Where can I find a lawyer to help me with my eviction?
- How much does it cost to hire an eviction lawyer?
- What is legal aid?
- What is pro bono legal representation?
- Can I represent myself in court?
Questions About Other Resources
- Where can I find information about tenant rights in California?
- Where can I find rental assistance?
- Where can I find affordable housing?
- What are my options if I’m homeless?
- What are my rights if I’m being discriminated against?
Questions About Specific Eviction Notices
- What is a 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit?
- What is a 30-Day Notice to Terminate Tenancy?
- What is a 60-Day Notice to Terminate Tenancy?
- What is a Notice to Cure or Quit?
Questions About Court Procedures
- What is a court hearing?
- What is a motion?
- What is discovery?
- What is a deposition?
- What is a trial?
- What is a judgment?
Questions About After the Eviction
- What happens after I’m evicted?
- Can I get my belongings back?
- Can I rent another apartment with an eviction on my record?
- How can I rebuild my credit after an eviction?
- What are my rights if I’m being harassed by my former landlord?
Questions about Emotional Distress
- This is so stressful! What can I do?
- I’m so worried I’m going to lose my home.
This expanded list includes a wider range of questions that tenants may have about the eviction process in California, covering topics such as specific eviction situations, tenant rights, landlord responsibilities, COVID-19 protections, legal assistance, and emotional support.