Skip to main content
Skip to main content.

Landlord / Tenant

Hearings will be conducted in person.
Remote appearances require compliance with CCP Section 367.75 and completion of RA-010.
Oppositions to requests for remote appearances require completion of RA-015.

Remote access is available as follows:

For all remote hearings, parties must serve and submit documents to the clerk’s office in person, via drop box or overnight delivery 3 court days prior to the hearing. Electronic delivery is not permitted.

Unlawful Detainer Ex Parte Procedure Effective 11/25/24

Unlawful Detainer (Eviction)

Eviction cases are called an "unlawful detainer" in court. An unlawful detainer lawsuit is the civil process a landlord can use to remove a tenant from his or her rental property and regain possession of the property from the tenant. In California, a landlord may be able to evict a tenant if the tenant:

  • Fails to pay the rent on time;
  • Breaks the lease or rental agreement and will not fix the problem (like keeping your cat when pets are not allowed);
  • Damages the property, bringing down the value (commits "waste");
  • Becomes a serious nuisance by disturbing other tenants and neighbors even after being asked to stop; or
  • Uses the property to do something illegal.

In most cities, the landlord can also evict the tenant:

  • If the tenant stays after the lease is up, or
  • If the landlord cancels the rental agreement by giving proper notice.

Other types of legal disputes between landlords and tenants are generally handled in small claims court, such as disputes regarding the return of a security deposit.

A landlord cannot evict someone themselves

A landlord cannot evict someone themselves without going through the proper steps. It is against the law. Only the Sheriff can evict someone. Even if a tenant is months behind on the rent, the landlord cannot:

  • Make the tenant move out
  • Get rid of the tenant’s possessions
  • Lock the tenant out
  • Cut off the water or electricity
  • Remove outside windows or doors

To legally evict the tenant through the process of an Unlawful Detainer, the landlord typically has to:

  • Serve the tenant with the appropriate written notice (there are several types of notices, and the one a landlord serves the tenant with must be appropriate to the specific case circumstances)
  • Wait for the time period in the notice to end
  • File an Unlawful Detainer action if the tenant does not do what the notice asks

Expedited proceeding

An Unlawful Detainer case is fast. Usually, the tenant has 5 days to file a response. If an Answer is filed, trial is 20 days after that.

Self-Help Center

If you need further assistance and are a self-represented litigant, you can contact the Self-Help Center by email at selfhelpcivil@contracosta.courts.ca.gov or by voicemail at (925) 608-2128. All Self-Help assistance is via email or telephone. Appointments to review completed paperwork are available on a limited basis, but you must contact us by phone or email to be screened for the appointment. Please note that due to the current complexity of Landlord Tenant law, the Self-Help Center is providing limited assistance.

Early Intervention Unlawful Detainer Mediation Services

The Congress of Neutrals has been awarded a grant commencing April 1st, 2024 through March 31, 2025 to provide early intervention unlawful detainer mediation services targeted to those litigants at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Threshold. These services will be available in three counties: Merced, Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Mediations will primarily take place remotely by zoom with our trained and experienced unlawful detainer mediators. If you are interested in finding out more about the program or you would like to participate, please contact us at barbaral@congressofneutrals.org or contact@congressofneutrals.org