EDN stands for Eviction Defense Now — because taking action fast is critical for tenants facing eviction.
Eviction Defense
Los Angeles
Take a deep breath. You're not alone in this. We're here to help you understand your rights and connect you with the support you need.
We connect LA tenants with vital information about their tenant rights and help them find legal aid organizations. Education is your first line of defense against wrongful eviction.
Why Act Fast Matters
Don't panic — let's talk about that 5-day deadline. You've got this. In California, you have 5 calendar days to respond to an unlawful detainer lawsuit. Here's what that actually means: you don't have to move out, you don't have to appear in court yet — you just need to file a simple written response. It sounds overwhelming, but you can do this. If you haven't found an attorney yet, you can respond yourself. And if you're low income and meet the court's qualifications, filing is free. Get legal help or learn how to respond yourself.
Tenant Education & Resources in Los Angeles
We provide educational resources and connect LA County tenants with legal aid organizations. Knowledge of your tenant rights is essential when facing displacement.
Unlawful Detainer Information
Learn about eviction lawsuits, notice requirements, and find legal aid organizations that can represent you in court. Understanding the unlawful detainer process gives you power to defend your home.
Eviction Notice Education
Learn how to review 3-day, 30-day, or 60-day eviction notices. Many contain errors that legal aid can help you identify. A defective notice can be your strongest defense.
Rent Control Resources
If you live in RSO housing, you have strong protections under Los Angeles rent control. Learn about just cause requirements and where to get help enforcing your rights.
Habitability Rights
Learn about your rights when facing uninhabitable conditions like mold, pests, or broken heating. We connect you with legal aid to build your habitability defense.
Retaliation Protection
California law protects you from retaliatory evictions. Find legal resources to fight back against landlord harassment and illegal retaliation.
Relocation Information
Many LA tenants are entitled to relocation assistance for no-fault evictions. Learn your relocation rights and get connected with advocates who can enforce them.
What Makes Los Angeles Different
Los Angeles has some of the strongest tenant protections in California. The LA Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) covers most apartments built before October 1978, providing just cause eviction protection and rent increase caps. Combined with California's AB 1482 statewide rent control, LA tenants have multiple layers of protection against wrongful displacement. Understanding whether your unit is covered by RSO, AB 1482, or both is critical to mounting an effective eviction defense.
Common Eviction Defenses in Los Angeles
Habitability Issues: Your landlord failed to maintain safe, livable conditions. Broken heating, plumbing problems, mold, pest infestations, or structural hazards can be powerful defenses in eviction cases.
Improper Notice: The eviction notice contained errors like wrong rent amount, insufficient days, missing required statements, or improper service method.
No Just Cause: Under RSO or AB 1482, your landlord doesn't have a valid legal reason to evict you.
Retaliation: The eviction is in response to you exercising your legal rights, such as requesting repairs or reporting code violations.
Discrimination: The eviction is based on your race, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or other protected characteristic.
Your Rights as an LA Tenant
California has some of the strongest tenant protections in the country. Here's what landlords cannot do under California and Los Angeles law:
- Lock you out - Self-help evictions are illegal under California law
- Shut off utilities - Even if you're behind on rent, utility shutoffs are prohibited
- Remove your belongings - Only a sheriff can do this after a court order through the eviction process
- Harass you to leave - Harassment is illegal and actionable under LAMC 165.00
- Evict without just cause - Most LA tenants have just cause protection
- Raise rent above limits - RSO and AB 1482 cap increases at 3-10% annually
"Landlords often bully and lie to prevent you from knowing or using your rights. Don't let them. Learn your tenant rights and contact legal aid immediately."— California Tenant Law
The Los Angeles Eviction Process
Understanding the eviction process helps you know when and how to fight back against wrongful displacement:
Notice to Quit
Landlord serves a 3-day, 30-day, 60-day, or 90-day eviction notice. Many notices have defects that can stop the eviction. Contact legal aid to review your notice.
Unlawful Detainer Filed
If you haven't moved out, your landlord may file an unlawful detainer lawsuit. You'll be served with court papers. You've got 5 days to respond — that might sound scary, but this is manageable. Let's take it one step at a time.
File Your Answer
Legal aid organizations can help you file a response raising all available eviction defenses. Missing this deadline can result in a default judgment, but you have options to respond yourself if needed.
Trial or Settlement
Cases go to trial within 20 days. Having legal representation significantly improves outcomes. Many cases settle with favorable terms for tenants.
Need Legal Help?
The earlier you connect with legal aid, the more options are available for your eviction defense.
Browse Legal ResourcesEviction Defense FAQ
Can I be evicted if I can't pay rent?
It depends on your situation. You may have defenses based on habitability issues, improper notice, or landlord's failure to accept rent. Many LA tenants qualify for rental assistance through Stay Housed LA that can stop eviction. Contact legal aid immediately.
What is "just cause" eviction?
In Los Angeles, most tenants can only be evicted for specific legal reasons under RSO and AB 1482. Landlords can't evict just because they want you out. Learn about just cause protections.
How long do I have to respond?
5 calendar days from when you're served with an unlawful detainer. This means filing a written response with the court — you don't have to move or appear in court yet. Get legal help or learn how to respond yourself.
How do I respond to an eviction lawsuit myself?
Step 1: Get form UD-105 (Answer - Unlawful Detainer) from the court clerk or courts.ca.gov. Step 2: Check the boxes for your defenses (improper notice, habitability issues, rent already paid, etc.). Step 3: Make 2 copies - keep one, file the original at court. Step 4: Mail or deliver a copy to your landlord's attorney. Fee waivers available: If you're low income, file form FW-001 to waive court fees. Visit your court's self-help center for free assistance filling out forms. Remember: You can always add an attorney later through a process called 'substitution of attorney.' This is not legal advice. You can do this!
Can my landlord lock me out?
No. "Self-help" evictions are illegal in California under Civil Code 789.3. Only a sheriff can physically remove you through the legal eviction process, and only after a court order. If your landlord locks you out, you may have a lawsuit for damages.
Do I qualify for free legal help?
Most low and moderate-income LA County tenants qualify for free eviction defense through Stay Housed LA and the Tenant Right to Counsel program. Income limits vary, but many working families qualify.
What if my landlord is harassing me?
Los Angeles has strong anti-harassment laws under LAMC 165.00. Landlords cannot threaten, intimidate, harass tenants, or interfere with their quiet enjoyment. Document everything and contact legal aid - you may have legal claims for damages.
What happens if I ignore an eviction notice?
I know it's tempting to put your head in the sand — this is scary stuff. But ignoring an eviction notice isn't going to make it go away. If you don't respond within 5 days after being served with a lawsuit, the court will grant a default judgment. You've got this — don't ignore notices - get legal help or respond yourself.
Can I withhold rent for repairs?
Yes, but only under specific conditions and strict legal procedures. California law allows rent withholding for uninhabitable conditions. Contact a tenant attorney before withholding rent to avoid eviction.
What is the Ellis Act?
The Ellis Act allows landlords to evict all tenants to remove property from the rental market. Requires 120 days notice plus relocation assistance. Tenants may have rights to return if property is re-rented. Learn more about no-fault evictions.
How do I find out if my building is rent controlled?
Contact LA Housing Department at 1-866-557-7368 or visit housing.lacity.org. Generally, buildings built before October 1, 1978 with 2+ units are covered by RSO. Learn about rent control protections.