Long Beach Eviction & Landlord-Tenant Attorney
Eviction deadlines are measured in days, not months. Get clear advice before the next one passes.
Landlord-Tenant & Evictions
How We Help With Landlord-Tenant & Evictions
Housing disputes are stressful for everyone involved. A tenant who receives a notice may be worried about losing their home. A landlord dealing with unpaid rent or a lease violation may be watching their income and property suffer. In both cases, California's eviction rules are strict and technical, and a missed deadline or a defective notice can change the outcome.
We advise both landlords and tenants on unlawful detainer (eviction) cases and related disputes in Long Beach and across Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. [CONFIRM: landlords, tenants or both] That includes reviewing notices before they are served or answered, responding to court papers within the short deadline, and handling habitability, deposit and lease disputes.
California's statewide Tenant Protection Act and local ordinances in many cities add another layer of rules about rent increases and the reasons a tenancy can be ended. We will help you understand which rules apply to your property and what your next step should be.
What We Handle
Landlord-Tenant Matters We Handle
- Unlawful detainer (evictions)
- Notices to pay or quit
- Habitability and repair issues
- Harassment and retaliation
- Rent control and eviction-protection questions
- Nuisance claims
- Lease and breach-of-contract disputes
- Security-deposit disputes
Our Process
What Happens Next
- 1
Review notices, lease and court papers
We check whether notices are valid and identify every deadline that applies to you.
- 2
Respond or file within deadlines
We prepare and file the right documents on time — a response, an answer or an unlawful detainer complaint.
- 3
Negotiate, move for judgment or defend
We pursue a practical resolution or take the case to trial when that is the better path.
FAQ
Landlord-Tenant & Evictions Questions
I got a 3-day notice. What now?
Read it carefully and note the date. A 3-day notice to pay rent or quit typically gives the tenant three court days (excluding weekends and court holidays) to pay or move. If the notice is defective, it may not support an eviction. Get advice right away — before the deadline passes.
How fast does an eviction move?
Faster than most court cases. After an unlawful detainer lawsuit is served, the tenant has only a short number of court days to file a response. If no response is filed, the landlord can request a default judgment. Contested cases are usually set for trial quickly.
Can a landlord lock me out?
No. In California, a landlord generally cannot change the locks, remove a tenant's belongings or shut off utilities to force a tenant out. Only a sheriff can carry out an eviction after a court judgment.
What are habitability rights?
Residential rentals in California must be fit to live in — for example, with working plumbing, heat, hot water and electricity, and free of serious pest or mold problems. Tenants have legal remedies when a landlord fails to make necessary repairs after notice.
Does rent control apply?
It depends on the property and its location. The statewide Tenant Protection Act limits rent increases and requires 'just cause' to end many tenancies, with exemptions. Some cities have their own stricter rules. We can review your property and tell you which rules apply.
Can you represent landlords and tenants?
We advise people on both sides of landlord-tenant disputes, though never both sides of the same dispute. [CONFIRM with the client which side(s) the firm represents.]
Client Reviews
What Our Clients Say on Google
“My husband and I are very thankful for all of the help that Mr. Fernandez gave us with representing my husband in a case where he was innocent. We live in GA but the case was in LA and Mr. Fernandez helped ease our mind that our case could very easily be handled. He was very professional, his team was always there to help guide us and answer our questions during the process of this very stressful time for us.”
Sarah SalazarGoogle review · “Attorney George Fernandez returned my phone call promptly and represented me in court on short notice. He did a 5-star stellar job on a complicated case. I will definitely retain him in the future. I'm very grateful to Attorney Fernandez for his expertise and willingness to represent me on such short notice, and with such a positive outcome.”
gina joeGoogle review · “Attorney George L Fernandez has helped I and my family tremendously with our eviction case. He is a very professional and great attorney it was a pleasure doing business with him. I would definitely recommend attorney George Fernandez to anyone in need.”
william washingtonGoogle review ·
Reviews reflect individual experiences; prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Talk to a Lawyer About Your Situation
Your first consultation is free. Call or book online and we will review your options with you in plain English — en español también.