Over 370,000 households received $4.7 billion in rent and utility assistance under the COVID-19 eviction regulations in California. This relief ended in March 2022, paving the way for evictions to proceed as normal across the state.
While no one wants to uproot families from their homes, there are instances where you must act against bad tenants to protect your livelihood and your property's value. In these cases, eviction is often the most sensible route for you.
California has implemented some changes to its eviction laws lately, so read on for a deep dive into the world of post-pandemic evictions before you take the next steps.
Tenant Rights in Antelope Valley
Landlords in California cannot evict tenants without a good reason. They must have an at-fault just cause or no-fault just cause to start eviction proceedings against tenants.
The laws for no-fault evictions have recently been changed, making it more difficult for landlords to carry out these evictions, too. At-fault-just cause includes instances where the tenant:
- Hasn't paid their rent
- Has damaged the property beyond ordinary wear and tear
- Is carrying out criminal activity
Other lease infringements, like introducing a dog into a unit where pets aren't allowed, may also lead to an eviction.
The Eviction Process in Antelope Valley
When the landlord has a legally sanctioned reason to evict their tenant, they must follow a specific process to succeed. These are the steps involved in a California eviction:
Issuing the Correct Notice
Two main types of eviction notices apply to at-fault evictions. These are notices to comply or quit and notices to quit.
Each one has a time frame attached to it. For instance, if a tenant hasn't paid their rent, the landlord may issue a notice to comply within 3 days or vacate the unit.
This means they must pay the past-due amount within three days or move out. A notice to quit is appropriate when there is no remedy, e.g., in the case of criminal activity.
Filing an Eviction Lawsuit
If the tenant does not meet the requirements as stated in the notice, the landlord can file a complaint with their local court. The court will issue a summons for the tenant to defend their case on a specified date.
Allowing the Tenant to Respond
Should the tenant wish to challenge the eviction, they must arrive in court on the due date to defend themselves. If they don't arrive, the judge will rule against them.
The Judge's Decision
If the judge agrees to evict the client, they will issue the tenant a notice to vacate the unit within 5 days. If they don't comply, the local sheriff can physically remove them from the property.
Avoid Evictions in Antelope Valley
While a property manager can help you weather the challenges posed by evictions, they can also help you limit them with tenant screening and property inspections.
PMI Antelope Valley offers a comprehensive bouquet of property management services to help you cope with the ups and downs of owning an investment property. We understand that our success depends on your success, and we back up this philosophy with courteous service and exceptional attention to detail.
You can depend on us to increase the value of your asset over time and help you earn the maximum possible rent for your property. Discover the easy way to take care of property management in Antelope Valley, CA.
