If you get an eviction notice from your landlord in California, the chances are it is because you failed to pay your rent. Non-payment of rent is the most common reason for an eviction because it is the basic agreement between you and your landlord. You agree to pay rent to have use of the rental unit. However, even when you fail to pay rent, there is a process your landlord must follow to legally evict you.
According to SFGate, your landlord must give you a three-day notice to start the proceedings. This notice simply informs you that you have three days in which to pay your rent. If you pay your rent within the three days, your landlord cannot evict you. If you do not pay your rent, your landlord can then move on with the eviction.
You do have the right to contest the eviction. This will take your case to court where a judge will make a ruling. However, if you have not paid your rent, the chances are the judge will find in favor of your landlord. If this happens, you will get a notice from the sheriff’s office that you have five days to leave the property. After five days, the locks can be changed. After that, you will have some time to remove your property, but you will no longer have any claim to the rental unit. You may lose property that you do not collect. This information is for education and is not legal advice.