The eviction process moves swiftly. Evictions, or unlawful detainers, are “summary proceedings.” This means that the process takes less time than a regular lawsuit. Once you are served with a complaint, you have less time to respond than normal. The court hears eviction cases before other cases. The theory, based on historical common law, is that the property belongs to the landlord, and if the tenant is not paying rent, the landlord should recover the property at soon as possible.

One of the most abusive ways landlords get around the rent ordinance is with a landlord or owner-move-in. It’s also one of the most frequent reasons for a “just cause” eviction in rent-controlled apartments in San Francisco. The landlord scares you, and you move out. Then he rents to a new tenant at a higher rate or lists your home on Airbnb.

“Just cause” evictions are an important part of your tenant’s rights in San Francisco and other cities in the Bay area. I’ve mentioned “just cause” evictions in past blog posts. What exactly are they?

Escalating rents are hurting tenants and causing evictions in San Jose. Things are bad.

You’ve read about it in the news. Low income tenants being evicted in the Mission District and the Castro, making way for those with high incomes who can afford astronomical rents.

A Berkeley landlord got caught illegally raising the rent after a tenant moved out of their home. “Subterfuge” is what the landlord’s actions were called by the State of California Court of Appeal in a recent opinion.