Where are you in the eviction process?
What to do if you’re at risk of eviction
What to do if you’ve received an eviction notice
Responding to a 3-day, 30-day, 60-day, or 90-day notice
Read the notice to find out the reason for eviction
If you are able to rectify the issue, do so and let your landlord know.
Find out if you’re eligible to receive benefits
If you’re being evicted because of unpaid rent, you may be eligible for assistance. Contact the We Are LA hotline to get started: 213-584-1808
Know your rights
Learn more about tenant protections at an anti-harassment workshop: stayhousedla.org/workshops
Do not self evict
There may be options available to you. Do not self evict!
What to do if you’ve received an unlawful detainer notice
Follow this Step-by-step guide
Your landlord may serve you with an unlawful detainer (UD) notice (pictured below). You must respond within 5 days. We Are LA can help you draft your response! If you don’t respond, you may automatically lose your case in court.
Contact the We Are LA hotline to be connected with someone who can help you: 213-584-1808
This must be done within 5 days of receiving the notice. This can be done one of two ways:
- File it yourself here: https://tools.debtcollective.org/
- Or go to a self-help center: https://dcba.lacounty.gov/legal-access-centers/
The Court will send you a trial date notice. If you get any documents from your landlord or their attorney, do not ignore these documents. It is very important that you get legal help with these documents because not responding can hurt your case, or even make you lose your case. Go to a Self-Help Center to ask about the documents as soon as possible.
When you go to court you can either:
- Settle your case with your landlord (you will both have to agree on the details of the settlement and sign. You will likely have to go in front of the judge to say you agree to the settlement).
- Go to trial- you have to be prepared with all of your evidence.
Stay Housed LA is representing as many tenants as they can, but they do not have enough attorneys to represent all tenants. If you have been served with an eviction lawsuit, you should apply online: https://www.stayhousedla.org/get-legal-help
If Stay Housed LA can’t represent you:
- If you can afford it, hire an attorney.
- Stay Housed LA’s partner Eviction Defense Network can help you represent yourself in the Tenant Empowerment Program. Go to https://edn.la/videos/ to get started.
If you lose, the sheriff will post a 5 day notice to vacate and you should expect to move out within those 5 days. If you do not move out the sheriff will come and tell you that you must leave immediately, even if that means leaving all your belongings behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Help From Our Partners
(888) 694-0040
For free workshop information on tenant rights, the eviction process, and legal representation (income based), including help with filing your Answer.
213-584-1808
Help renters avoid eviction and assist tenants with filing an Answer. We Are LA Housing Specialists will provide anti-eviction support and connect you to available legal services and provide information on all your available benefits.
1-866-557-7368
For important information on ALL City of LA tenant protections. Contact the LAHD Hotline (9:00 am – 4:30 pm).
A toolkit to keep people in their homes, fight evictions, fight rent debt, and build the collective power of tenants.
Free family support services such as case management, emergency financial assistance, financial coaching, and information about tenant rights including assistance with filing your response if you receive an Unlawful Detainer.
(800) 399-4LAW (4529)
1550 W 8th St., Los Angeles, CA 90017
Evictions, utility shut-offs, lockouts:
Intake Line:(213) 487-7609 / (213) 640-3881
Call for an appointmentFree legal assistance. Will advise and provide brief assistance in filling out papers. Legal representation depending on the case.
Korean speakers – 2nd Tuesday at 6:00 p.m.
3750 W. 6th Street, LA, CA 90020 323-801-7987(323) 939-0506
3250 Wilshire Blvd., 13th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010-1509
Call for an appointment.
Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Free legal assistance for low-income people, including seniors and disabled. Counseling or legal representation, depending on case. Handles housing issues and a wide range of other legal needs.(818) 896-5211 or (800) 433-6251
1102 E. Chevy Chase Boulevard Glendale, CA 91205
Call for phone advice or to make an appointment.
Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Free legal assistance to low-income people living in the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys, Glendale, Pasadena, and Pomona. Also call if your case is filed in the Van Nuys Court.
Counsel and advice, brief help filling out papers and representation depending on case.(213) 891-2880
1309 E. 7th, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Free legal services to low-income individuals and families. Counsel and advice, brief service, help filling out forms, and representation in court for those who qualify.(213) 385-8112
1930 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 208 Los Angeles, CA 90057
Walk-in Only
Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Assistance in pre-eviction, non-eviction, and eviction matters, as well as Notice to Vacate. Before and after eviction consultations and trial preparations. First- come, first-served basis. Sliding fee scale, no income limit.(213) 252-4411
Virtually Held Every Saturday at 10 am via Zoom & Phone
Request a Link to Register for Clinic by Emailing to: HelpingLARenters@gmail.comSaturday 10:00 a.m. Walk-In Only
All housing problems. Individual One-on-One Counsel and advice on tenants’ rights and eviction assistance. No legal representation. Donation requested. No one turned away due to lack of funds. No income limits.(213) 387-8400 or (800) 477-5977
3255 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1150 Los Angeles, CA 90010-1509
Toll-free hotline for housing discrimination complaints and predatory lending information.
Walk-in okay.
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Investigations, counseling, and legal assistance with housing discrimination complaints including reasonable accommodations and modifications. Counseling and referrals on predatory lending issues. All services free, no income limits. Callers will be referred to the nearest office in Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, South LA, Harbor, Pasadena, Long Beach, and San Gabriel Valley.