Eviction in California
State-specific overview · Property & Real Estate
California requires 3 days' notice for non-payment and generally mandates just cause for eviction of residential tenants.
How California treats Eviction
California imposes strict requirements on evictions: landlords must serve 3 days' written notice for non-payment, and tenants have the right to cure within that period. Critically, California law (under AB 1482 and local ordinances) requires just cause for eviction of residential tenants, meaning landlords cannot evict simply because a lease term ended or for month-to-month termination without legal grounds such as non-payment, lease violation, or owner move-in. Eviction cases proceed through civil court, and California courts enforce tenant protections vigorously, making eviction more difficult and time-consuming than in many other states.
The general definition of Eviction
The legal process by which a landlord removes a tenant from rental property.
Eviction is the formal legal process a landlord uses to force a tenant to leave the property. The landlord must have a valid reason—such as non-payment of rent, lease violation, or the end of the lease term—and must follow strict procedural rules, which vary by state. Typically, the landlord must give written notice (often 30 days or more), file a case in court, and obtain a judgment from a judge before the tenant can be physically removed. A tenant has the right to defend themselves in court and present their side of the story.
Read the full Eviction entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in California.