California · Superior CourtUpdated 2026-08-05

2026 eviction process in California: laws, timeline & costs for landlords

Q: How long does a California eviction take?

A clean uncontested unlawful detainer typically runs 45–75 days. Contested cases in tenant-counsel jurisdictions run longer. Courts control the calendar.

Q: What does a California eviction cost?

Estimates of filing run $240 to $435 by claim size, service by a process server about $69 to $150 per address, or $50 by the Sheriff, writ $40; the Riverside Sheriff's lockout fee is $180. Our flat fee is $1,500, with no fee charged at signing, billed in three $500 stages as work completes, plus a published $1,500 contested add-on only when the tenant contests and a trial or hearing is set. Court costs are estimated and billed at the amount charged.

Updated 2026-08-05 · Governing law: Code Civ. Proc. § 1161 et seq.; § 1167 (AB 2347); Civ. Code § 1946.2 (AB 1482) · Court: Superior Court

See California eviction costs by county →

Key takeaways

Tenants now get 10 court days to answer (AB 2347) — roughly two calendar weeks
AB 1482 just-cause coverage must be determined before any notice is selected
LA, SF, Oakland, and Berkeley carry local ordinances that change everything. The Firm may decline those matters or quote them separately in writing

The first step

Required notices

Ground	Notice period	Notes
Nonpayment	3 days — excluding weekends & judicial holidays	Rent only; no fees in the demand
Curable breach	3 days to cure — court-day counting	AB 1482: cure notice must precede termination
No-fault termination (<1 yr)	30 days
No-fault termination (1 yr+)	60 days	AB 1482: relocation assistance
CARES-covered property	30 days

How to serve a valid California eviction notice →

Notice to possession

Step by step timeline

Stage	When
Notice served	Day 1
Notice period runs	3 court days
UD filed & served	Week 2
Answer window	10 court days
Default or trial	Week 4–8
Sheriff 5-day notice, lockout	Final week

Questions

California eviction FAQ

How long does a California eviction take?

A clean uncontested unlawful detainer typically runs 45–75 days. Contested cases in tenant-counsel jurisdictions run longer. Courts control the calendar.

What does a California eviction cost?

Estimates of filing run $240 to $435 by claim size, service by a process server about $69 to $150 per address, or $50 by the Sheriff, writ $40; the Riverside Sheriff's lockout fee is $180. Our flat fee is $1,500, with no fee charged at signing, billed in three $500 stages as work completes, plus a published $1,500 contested add-on only when the tenant contests and a trial or hearing is set. Court costs are estimated and billed at the amount charged.

Ready to start in California?

Published flat fee, estimated court costs for your county, and a licensed attorney on the case. See pricing or start online →

Author: The Ledger Law Firm. This guide summarizes state law as of the update date; statutes and local rules change. Nothing here is legal advice or a guarantee of outcome. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING.