California property owners are bound by state and federal laws that protect the rights of tenants, and eviction is only allowed in certain situations. Property owners must follow strict guidelines and procedures to legally evict a tenant. In California, property owners can evict their residents for the following reasons:
Nonpayment of Rent
If a tenant fails to pay rent, a property owner can start the eviction process by serving the tenant with a three-day notice to pay rent or vacate. If the tenant fails to comply, the property owner can file an unlawful detainer lawsuit to obtain a court order for eviction.
Breach of Lease Agreement
If a tenant violates the lease agreement, such as by causing damage to the property or disrupting other tenants, the property owner can serve the tenant with a three-day notice to cure the violation or vacate. If the tenant does not correct the violation, the property owner can file an unlawful detainer lawsuit to evict the tenant.
Illegal Activities
If a tenant engages in illegal activities on the property, such as drug use or criminal behavior, the property owner can serve the tenant with a three-day notice to quit, which requires the tenant to vacate the property. If the tenant does not comply, the property owner can file an unlawful detainer lawsuit.
Nuisance or Disruption
If a tenant causes a nuisance or disrupts other tenants, the property owner can serve the tenant with a three-day notice to quit, which requires the tenant to vacate the property. If the tenant does not comply, the property owner can file an unlawful detainer lawsuit.
End of Lease Term
If a lease term has ended and the tenant does not vacate the property, the property owner can serve the tenant with a notice to vacate, which gives the tenant a certain number of days to vacate the property. If the tenant does not comply, the property owner can file an unlawful detainer lawsuit.
In addition to these reasons, California law also provides protections for tenants against retaliatory eviction and discrimination. Property owners must follow strict procedures and provide written notices to tenants before attempting to evict them. Working with a property management company can help property owners navigate these laws and avoid common mistakes that could result in legal issues or financial penalties.