Unlawful Detainer proceedings are summary proceedings.  As such, the court is not equipped to handle lengthy disputes over title and ownership.  As a result, California case law suggests that unlawful detainer courts cannot deal with title disputes.   This does not mean, however, that title is presumed to be proper with the plaintiff who brings an […]

This fall Schorr Law will be publishing an e-book which will provide a step by step overview and analysis of how to litigate unlawful detainer actions in California from a landlord and a tenant’s perspective.  This will be a great resource for anyone looking for a “do it yourself” unlawful detainer guide. Check back for more information on […]

Here are three strategy tips for defending an unlawful detainer in California: 1.  Serve discovery when you file your answer or other responsive pleading.  This will give you a preview of the evidence and theories that the landlord will try to assert at trial.  Basic discovery can be conducted using judicial council form interrogatories.  All […]

  1.      Is your three day notice to pay rent or quit valid?  Among other things, a three day notice to pay rent or quit must state the actual amount of rent due (residential) or provide a reasonable estimate of the amount of rent due (commercial).  In addition the 3 Day Notice must provide an […]

Unlawful Detainer defendants whether it be for a commercial unlawful detainer or a residential unlawful detainer in California should prepare the following documents when responding to an unlawful detainer complaint: 1.  Answer or Responsive Pleading:  This document must be filed within 5 days of being served with the complaint.  If the complaint was substitute served you may have […]

I discovered this morning that I was quoted on an affiliate website of the Philadephia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News. The article, Having a Good Landlord Tenant Relationship, deals with issues facing both landlords and tenants. In the article, I am quoted on several issues dealing with preserving and protecting both the landlord and […]

As a landlord, if your prevail on your unlawful detainer action – whether it be by default or after a trial on the merits you do not automatically get possession of the leased property.  The landlord or its unlawful detainer attorney, must then apply to the court for a writ of possession.  Once the writ […]

To initiate the unlawful detainer process based on a tenant’s failure to pay rent, the landlord or the landlord’s agent must do a 3 Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit.   Here are some, but not all, things the landlord should remember to include: 1.  Amount of Past Due Rent.  The 3 Day Notice to […]