Evictions in California follow a highly structured legal process, but the reality is that timelines vary significantly depending on how carefully the landlord follows every rule. A single mistake, wrong notice, miscounted days, or improper service can restart the entire process, costing weeks or even months. This guide breaks down each stage of the eviction timeline in California and explains what truly affects how long an eviction takes.

1. Serving the Correct Notice (1–3 or 30–60 days)

The timeline begins long before entering a courtroom. It starts the moment you serve a legally valid notice. Landlords often underestimate how strict California courts are about notice accuracy. A 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit must list exact unpaid rent only, not late fees, utilities, or damages, unless allowed by local law. Similarly, a 30- or 60-Day Notice to Terminate Tenancy must comply with just-cause eviction rules, which differ city to city. If anything is even slightly wrong, the judge can dismiss the case entirely.

2. Waiting Period After Notice

Once served, the law requires that tenants receive the full statutory amount of time to cure or vacate. For example, a 3-day notice truly means three full days, not counting the day of service in some counties, and not counting holidays in others. A 30- or 60-day notice takes far longer, and many landlords forget that mailing adds additional days. The notice phase is usually the slowest part of the entire eviction process when performed incorrectly.

3. Filing the Unlawful Detainer (1–2 business days)

If the tenant does not cure the violation or vacate, you can file an Unlawful Detainer (UD) lawsuit. Most counties allow e-filing, which speeds up initial processing. Once your paperwork is accepted, the court issues a Summons and Complaint. At this stage, landlords should double-check that all required attachments (lease, notices, proof of service) are included. Even a small missing exhibit can cause delays.

4. Serving the Court Documents

California law requires that someone other than the landlord, often a professional process server, serve the Summons and Complaint. This is the tenant’s official notice that they are being sued. The tenant typically receives five business days to file an “Answer.” If they don’t respond, you may request a default judgment. If they do respond, the case becomes contested and moves into trial scheduling.

5. Tenant Response Period (5 business days)

This short window has a huge impact. If the tenant does not respond, the landlord can proceed quickly to judgment. If the tenant files an Answer, they typically raise defenses such as habitability issues, rent ledger disputes, or procedural defects. At that point, the case may take longer, depending on the courthouse schedule.

6. Court Trial (2–6 weeks)

Once an Answer is filed, the court sets a trial date. Some counties set trials within two weeks; others take longer due to heavy caseloads. At trial, landlords must present clear evidence: the signed lease, the accurate notice, documentation, photos, communication records, and proof of service. Judges want to see more than accusations, they want a clear paper trail.

7. Judgment and Writ of Possession

After winning, the landlord requests a Writ of Possession. Courts typically process this within a few days. This document authorizes the Sheriff to enforce the eviction.

8. Sheriff Lockout (5–15 days)

The Sheriff posts a 5-Day Notice to Vacate. If the tenant doesn’t leave, the Sheriff returns on the scheduled lockout date to restore possession to the landlord. Many landlords mistakenly believe this happens the next day, but Sheriff departments often have backlogs that extend the timeline.

Final Thoughts

A typical uncontested eviction lasts about 4–8 weeks. Contested cases can last longer. The biggest delays come from defective notices and improper service, both fully avoidable with the right tools.