What happens after an unlawful detainer (eviction) trial?

After an unlawful detainer trial where the jury renders a verdict for the landlord, the tenant has still some options to retain possession of her home. The jury verdict must be entered on a form as a judgement against the tenant and for the landlord. The judgement is...

What happens at an unlawful detainer (eviction) trial?

The process of evicting a tenant is called an unlawful detainer. The Legislature enacted special statutes which make unlawful detainer actions different from other court cases. The statutes provide for a trial within a short period of time and limit the issues that...

The slow evolution of lawsuits against landlords

One of the most vexing issues in representing tenants is the lack of being able to file an affirmative lawsuit against a landlord. In Action Apartment Association, Inc. v. City of Santa Monica (2007) 41 Cal. 4th 1232, the California Supreme Court held that a tenant...

Fire and your wrongful eviction

A fire happens in your building. You get out all right, but your home and all your personal property is damaged. What happens next? The San Francisco Rent Ordinance mandates that the landlord allow a tenant to reoccupy her home after repairs have been made....