Secure & Confidential

Need another category? Click here or call us at (866) 345-6784.

Eviction Law in Long Beach, CA

If you’re a landlord in Long Beach, dealing with an uncooperative tenant can feel like a losing battle. You may be worried about unpaid rent, property damage, or lease violations—but unsure how to navigate California’s tenant-friendly legal system. The last thing you want is to make a costly misstep during the eviction process.

Use this guide to get familiar with how evictions work in Long Beach. Then, take the next step by speaking with an attorney who understands local housing law and can help you avoid costly delays. 

What Is an Eviction?

An eviction is the legal process a landlord uses to remove a tenant from a rental unit. In Long Beach, most evictions begin when the tenant fails to pay rent, breaks a lease term, or violates local housing ordinances. But even when a tenant is clearly in the wrong, evictions in California are rarely quick or easy. State and city laws heavily favor tenants, and landlords must follow a strict legal process.

Not every eviction notice leads to a courtroom or a forced removal. Often, a formal notice is enough to prompt the tenant to pay what is owed or correct their behavior. In that sense, it serves more as a final warning than an ultimatum.

When Can Landlords Send a Termination Notice?

The Tenant Doesn’t Pay Rent

In Long Beach, nonpayment of rent remains one of the most common and straightforward reasons for eviction. While California law generally provides tenants with short grace periods, chronic lateness is another matter. 

If your tenant regularly pays late or stops paying altogether, you have the legal right to serve a notice and begin the eviction process. Just be sure that you’ve followed proper notice procedures as required by state law and local ordinances.

Always document each missed or delayed rent payment. Send formal “late rent” notices, and keep copies for your own records. If the matter ends up in court, this paper trail can help you show a clear pattern of delinquency and support your claim for lawful eviction.

The Tenant Violates the Terms or Conditions of the Lease Agreement

A lease is a binding contract, and when a tenant violates any part of that agreement, it opens the door to eviction. This could be something as simple as subletting the unit without permission, keeping unauthorized pets, or allowing additional occupants who aren’t listed on the lease. These infractions may seem minor at first, but repeated violations can disrupt the rental environment and justify legal action.

Just as the lease holds the tenant accountable, it also binds the landlord. In Long Beach, landlords must uphold their end of the deal by handling repairs, maintaining the premises, and respecting tenant rights. If you plan to enforce the lease, make sure you’ve followed it to the letter yourself.

The Tenant Damages the Property

Some wear and tear is expected in any rental unit. But when tenants go beyond that—causing holes in walls, breaking windows, or damaging appliances—they may be held responsible and even evicted. California law allows landlords to act when significant property damage occurs, especially if it reduces the habitability or value of the rental.

If the tenant makes the repairs or offers to cover the costs, eviction may not be necessary. But if the damage is severe or deliberate—and the tenant refuses to correct it—you have every right to begin the eviction process and seek reimbursement through the courts.

The Tenant Uses the Property for Illegal Purposes

Criminal activity is a serious lease violation. If your tenant is using the rental for drug sales, illegal weapons, or any other unlawful activity, you may have immediate cause for eviction. In many cases, law enforcement involvement will strengthen your claim and fast-track the legal process.

However, allegations alone are not enough. You must be prepared to present evidence—such as police reports, witness statements, or other documentation—showing that the tenant was engaged in illegal activity. This helps protect your rights and ensures your property isn’t being used in violation of local, state, or federal law.

How to Evict a Tenant in Long Beach, California

If you want to evict a tenant for any reason, then you need to understand the eviction process. Here’s how it works.

Step 1. Check Your Local Laws

Eviction laws in California can differ not only from state to state but also from city to city. In Long Beach, local ordinances may add layers of regulation beyond the state’s standard procedures.

Under California Civil Code, landlords are required to provide habitable living conditions, including safe structures, working utilities, and pest-free units. In Long Beach, these requirements are enforced strictly. Tenants have the right to a secure and healthy rental environment, and failure to meet those standards can weaken a landlord’s case—even if the tenant is behind on rent.

Step 2. Give a Formal Notice of Eviction

If your tenant continues to violate the lease despite your efforts to resolve the issue, the next step is to issue a formal notice. This document acts as a final opportunity to correct the problem and must clearly identify how the lease has been breached. Whether the violation involves unpaid rent, unauthorized occupants, or property damage, your notice should explain what the tenant must do to avoid further legal action.

Include a firm deadline for compliance—typically three days for nonpayment of rent or five to thirty days for other violations—depending on the situation and notice type. Be sure to state the full amount due, if applicable, and confirm whether the tenant can “cure” the violation or must vacate. If you are unsure of how to draft the notice properly, consult a local attorney or reference a verified California template that complies with state law.

Under California Code Section 1161, the notice must be legally valid and properly served. If the tenant does not comply, you can then proceed to file an unlawful detainer action with the court. This filing begins the formal eviction process, during which the tenant has the right to respond and defend themselves in court. A misstep in this early stage can delay your case, so accuracy and timing are key.

Step 3. File the Eviction with the Court

Once the notice period has expired and the tenant has failed to comply, the next step is to formally file your case. In Long Beach, eviction filings must go through the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. This court handles all unlawful detainer actions in the area, and the process begins with submitting a complaint and paying the filing fee. Once the paperwork is filed, the court will issue a summons and set a date for the hearing.

Step 4. Contact an Experienced Long Beach, California Eviction Attorney and Prepare for the Hearing

Eviction cases move quickly in California, and preparation is critical. It’s wise to consult an experienced Long Beach eviction attorney to review your case and prepare for court. A skilled attorney can help ensure all notices, filings, and procedures comply with state and local law—especially if the tenant chooses to fight the eviction.

To support your claim, bring documentation such as:

  • A signed lease or rental agreement
  • Rent payment history and any outstanding balances
  • Copies of bounced checks
  • Written communication between you and the tenant
  • A copy of the eviction notice
  • Proof of service showing the tenant received the notice

Step 5. Evict the Tenant

If the court rules in your favor, the tenant will receive a short window to vacate the premises. In Long Beach, that timeline typically ranges from 5 to 7 days, depending on the circumstances and court schedule. If the tenant remains in the unit after the deadline, you may request a Writ of Possession from the court. 

Step 6. Collect Past-Due Rent Payments

Winning possession of the unit does not mean your financial losses are recovered. If the tenant owes you unpaid rent or damages, you have the right to seek repayment through civil means. This process is separate from the eviction and may take additional time and effort.

You can pursue collection in several ways:

Work with an Experienced Eviction Attorney in Long Beach, California

Tenants often look for technicalities—claiming improper notice, unfair timing, or procedural errors. In Long Beach, even small mistakes can delay your case or cost you the judgment. That’s why it’s critical to work with a qualified attorney who understands California’s strict eviction laws and the procedures specific to Los Angeles County.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area! We can even help you connect with an attorney across California state lines.

About the Author

Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.

With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.

Answers to legal questions can often lead to more questions. If you’re seeking more about an area of law in Long Beach CA, we’ve got you covered.

Auto Accident

Bankruptcy

Business Law

Child Birth Injury

Child Custody

Child Support

Consumer Law

Copyright Law

Criminal Defense

Debt Collector Harassment

Divorce Law

DUI Law

Employment Law

Foreclosure Defense

Identity Theft

Immigration Law

Insurance Claims

Lemon Law

Medical Malpractice

Nursing Home Abuse

Patent Law

Personal Injury Law

Power of Attorney

Probate Law

Property Disputes

Real Estate Law

Social Security Disability

Tax Law

Traffic Law

Vaccination Injury

Workers Compensation

Workplace Discrimination

Wrongful Termination

Wills and Trusts

How It All Works

Call us or answer the questions on this site. Your category, location, and additional information will help us connect you to a legal professional and we’ll send you the results instantly.

Which Areas of Law?

We have attorneys in over 20 legal categories to choose from.

How Much Does This Cost?

We don’t charge you to be connected. Some legal categories require upfront fees while others do not. The legal professional will determine this with you before you commit to anything.