Eviction notice · Los Angeles, CA
Eviction notice in Los Angeles, CA
In Los Angeles, California, a landlord must serve a written notice — typically a 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit (CCP § 1161(2)) for unpaid rent — before filing an unlawful detainer lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court. The tenant has 3 business days to comply.
Governing statutes
3
business days to cure unpaid rent (SB 385)
30–45
days, typical uncontested timeline
$19.99
one-off, preview free
The process in Los Angeles
- 1
Serve Written Notice
Deliver a 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit per CCP § 1161(2). The notice must include the tenant's full name, address, amount owed, and a clear demand to pay or vacate within 3 days.
CCP § 1161(2)
- 2
Wait for Compliance
The tenant has 3 business days (excluding weekends and court holidays) to pay the full amount or vacate the property. If they comply, the eviction process stops.
- 3
File Unlawful Detainer
If the tenant doesn't comply, file an Unlawful Detainer complaint at Los Angeles Superior Court. Filing fee: $225. The court will issue a summons.
CCP § 1161a
- 4
Serve Summons & Complaint
Have the tenant personally served by a process server or sheriff. Costs: $50-$150 for process server, $100-$200 for sheriff lockout.
Los Angeles filing details
Processing time: 2-3 weeks for case assignment · Filing fee: $225
The average eviction process in Los Angeles takes 30-45 days from serving notice to court judgment, though contested cases can take 2-3 months.
Los Angeles has strict rent control ordinances (RSO) that apply to properties built before October 1, 1978. Additional notice requirements may apply under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance.
The Los Angeles Superior Court processes approximately 30,000 eviction cases annually. Self-represented landlords should be prepared for strict procedural requirements.
Where it is filed
Los Angeles Superior Court — Stanley Mosk Courthouse
111 N Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Documents on this track
Each one is drafted to the citations above — preview free, unlock as a court-ready PDF.
- 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or QuitCCP § 1161(2) · SB 385
- 30-Day Notice to Terminate TenancyCiv. § 1946.1 · AB 1482
- Notice to Cure or QuitCCP § 1161(3)
Questions people ask about Los Angeles
How long does eviction take in Los Angeles?+
The eviction process in Los Angeles typically takes 30-45 days from serving notice to court judgment. The tenant has 3 business days to respond to a 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit (CCP § 1161(2)). Contested cases may take 2-3 months.
What is the cost to file an eviction in LA?+
The filing fee for an unlawful detainer lawsuit at Los Angeles Superior Court is $225 for unlimited civil cases. Additional costs include process server fees ($50-$150) and sheriff lockout fees ($100-$200).
Does Los Angeles have rent control?+
Yes. The Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) covers properties built before October 1, 1978 in the City of Los Angeles. Additionally, California's AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act) applies statewide to most residential properties.
Also in this jurisdiction: Mechanic's lien (Los Angeles) · Eviction notice (San Diego)
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