Unlawful Detainer Los Angeles - Get Expert Help with Your Case
An unlawful detainer is a legal process used to evict a tenant who is occupying a rental property illegally, without the permission of the landlord. An unlawful detainer action can also be used to evict a tenant who has violated the terms of their lease agreement, such as by failing to pay rent or causing damage to the property.
In an unlawful detainer lawsuit, the landlord is the plaintiff, and the tenant is the defendant. The landlord must prove to the court that the tenant is occupying the property illegally and that they have followed all proper legal procedures for evicting the tenant. The unlawful detainer eviction Los Angeles process can be complex and requires strict adherence to legal procedures.
If the court finds in favour of the landlord, a judgment will be issued allowing the landlord to take possession of the property and evict the tenant. The sheriff or other law enforcement officers may then be called in to physically remove the tenant and their belongings from the property.
Dignity
Law
Group
Dignity Law Group - Los Angeles County Unlawful Detainer
Dignity Law Group is a law firm that provides legal services related to real estate law, including representation for both landlords and tenants involved in Los Angeles county unlawful detainer.
Here are some ways in which Dignity Law Group may be able to help tenants and landlords dealing with unlawful detainer:
For Tenants:
- Work as unlawful detailer assistant Los Angeles in response to an unlawful detainer lawsuit filed by the landlord
- Review the notice to vacate and other legal documents to ensure that the landlord followed all proper legal procedures
- Help tenants defend against eviction and protect their rights as a tenant
- Negotiate with the landlord for a resolution that allows the tenant to remain in the property or provides for a reasonable amount of time to vacate the property
- Represent the tenant in court and argue their case before a judge if necessary.
For Landlords:
- Help landlords initiate the unlawful detainer process by providing legal advice and drafting the necessary documents to begin the process
- Review the lease agreement and other legal documents to ensure that the landlord has a strong case for eviction
- Represent the landlord in court and argue their case before a judge if necessary
- Negotiate with the tenant for a resolution that allows the landlord to regain possession of the property or obtain unpaid rent or damages owed to them
- Provide guidance on compliance with local and state laws related to the eviction process.
Reasons for Unlawful Detainer
In Los Angeles, a landlord can file an unlawful detainer lawsuit to evict a tenant for various reasons. Here are some common reasons for unlawful detainer or eviction in Los Angeles, CA:
- Failure to Pay Rent: If a tenant fails to pay rent on time, the landlord can give them the notice to pay rent or quit, which is a legal document that gives the tenant a set amount of time to pay the rent owed or vacate the property.
- Breach of Lease: If a tenant violates any of the terms of the lease agreement, such as subletting the property without permission or causing damage to the property, the landlord can give them the notice to cure or quit. If the tenant fails to cure the violation or vacate the property by the deadline, the landlord can file an unlawful detainer lawsuit.
- End of Lease: If the lease agreement has expired and the tenant has not renewed the lease or the landlord has given them the notice to vacate the property at the end of the lease term, the landlord can file an unlawful detainer lawsuit if the tenant refuses to leave.
- Nuisance: If a tenant engages in illegal activity, such as drug use or prostitution, or creates a disturbance that interferes with the peaceful enjoyment of other tenants or neighbors, the landlord can file an unlawful detainer lawsuit to evict them.
- Illegal Use of Property: If a tenant is using the property for illegal purposes, such as running a business that violates zoning laws, the landlord can file an unlawful detainer lawsuit to evict them.
It is important to note that landlords must follow specific legal procedures when filing an unlawful detainer lawsuit in Los Angeles, and tenants have the right to defend themselves against eviction.
How to File Unlawful Detainer Los Angeles
Before filing an unlawful detainer, the landlord must give notice of unlawful detainer Los Angeles to the tenant. This is the first step in the process of evicting a tenant in Los Angeles.
- Prepare the necessary documents: You will need to prepare and file a number of documents, including a Summons, Complaint, and Civil Case Cover Sheet. You can obtain these forms from the court or from a legal document preparation service.
- Serve the tenant with the required documents: After you’ve completed the paperwork, you will need to serve the tenant with a copy of the Summons and Complaint. You can do this by hiring a process server or by mailing the documents through certified mail with the return receipt requested.
- Wait for the tenant’s response: After the tenant has been served, they have five days to respond to the complaint. If they do not respond within this time, you can file a Request for Default.
- Attend the court hearing: If the tenant responds to the complaint, the court will schedule a hearing. You will need to attend this hearing and present your case.
- Obtain a judgment: If the court finds it in your favor, you will be issued a judgment of possession. You can then file a Writ of Possession with the court, which will allow you to have the tenant removed from the property by the Sheriff.
It’s important to note that the process of filing an unlawful detainer can be complex and time-consuming. It’s recommended that you consult with an unlawful detainer attorney in Los Angeles to ensure that all of the necessary steps are completed correctly. Call us at the Dignity Law Group without hesitation at (323) 212-5365 for a free consultation. Our goal is to advocate for your rights with experience and efficiency.
All You Need To Know About
Rental Properties In LA
Written by Joe Kellener and David Greene based on their insight into the new age court system of rental properties and how it impacts you. This crash course in how rental properties are treated legally, both in court and out of court, and what is and what is not acceptable under the law. Whether you are a brand new property owner/landlord or renter, or you’re someone who’s been in the business for a while, you will find this guide includes the most recent changes to the laws (post-Covid19), and how the laws are adapting on the ground.

What Los Angeles Renters Say About Us
I had a contentious issue with my management company and Dignity Law helped me navigate it! They were great to work with, and I would highly recommend them.
-Thomas Mastro
Joe helped me win my civil case against a former business partner. He stuck by me for 7 years. Thank Goodness its over and justice was served. If it weren’t for Joe showing me what evidence I needed to present, I could have lost my savings.
Geoffrey L.
My family hired Dignity Law Group to evict our tenant who had not paid rent in a very long time and was causing major financial issues for our family. Working with the firm was great, they got the job done. They answered our questions and helped guide through court. Highly recommend!
-Lacie Leslie
My mother and I were pleased how generous, attentive, communicative Joseph was in regards to our case. Thanks to him we had our case settled, sealed & we were highly compensated.
-Candy R.
A year ago, my family and I were in a nasty situation with our apartment complex. I had to talk to a lawyer, and this is when I found Joseph. I told him our problem and he was very honest with what could happen. A year later, it finally got done. Joseph gets back to you. I am happy with his services.
-Michael Lopez
David Greene is super knowledgeable about tenants rights, and more. Very easy to work with. Listens to what you need and gives honest straightforward advice that really helps you make the right decisions. I would recommend him as an attorney.
-Dean B.
It has been a month since we reached out to this firm for assistance. The legal assistant took our intake of the situation we are facing, but no attorney from this firm has reached out to us. We followed up about 1 week and a half ago, but still no luck with speaking with one of the attorneys at this firm.
-Baby Yoda
Our Attorneys
Dignity Law Group




Joseph W. Kellener
FOUNDING PARTNER

Jessica
PARTNER

David R. Greene
FOUNDING PARTNER
Joseph W. Kellener
FOUNDING PARTNER
Jessica
PARTNER
David R. Greene
FOUNDING PARTNER
Frequently Asked Question
Ans: Security deposits have very specific rules and regulations, and very well may be grounds for a lawsuit, but often the amount in controversy is below that of the courts our firm practice in. In Los Angeles, any dispute for $10,000 or less is brought in small claims court, and lawyers can not represent individuals in small claims court. Matters for $10,000-$24,999 are in the limited civil courts, and only some firms litigate in those courts. Matters for over $25,000 are brought in the unlimited civil courts, and the litigation is often more expensive than the amount in dispute. If you have a security deposit claim in excess of $25,000 you can contact our firm to discuss our rates and representation options.
Ans: No. A 3-day notice to perform or quit is not a lawsuit, it is not something that our law firm can take action against, as it is not a legal pleading before the court. It is also constitutionally protected speech, so unless it violates the debt collection laws (if for debt) it is often protected from any action against it. A 3-day performance or quit is a premise that an eviction (unlawful detainer) is then brought to court upon. If you perform, it is no longer viable. If the request is illegal, or untenable, then the lawsuit may fail, but in any event, our firm can not assist you if all you have received is a 3-day notice.
Ans: No. While a lawsuit may be prohibited or against a statute, the covid-protections are not magic wands. The lawsuit does not just go away, instead, the protections act as defenses that still must be presented to the court in defense of the unlawful detainer complaint. For example, if a tenant claims that he/she did not pay rent because of the impacts of covid, the truth of that defense is a question of fact for a jury or judge to decide.
Ans: Most likely no. We do not represent any tenant v tenant or neighbor v neighbor actions, however, in very rare circumstances a landlord/owner may be found liable for the criminal conduct of 3rd parties when the landlord knows of the danger and fails to take any steps to mitigate. These cases are very challenging and holding a landlord responsible for the acts pf a totally unrelated person is challenging and often not realistic.

