Notice, then court — never a lockout
The lawful route is a written notice, then an unlawful detainer action in court, then a judgment, then enforcement by the sheriff. A landlord who changes the locks, removes your possessions or cuts utilities to force you out is acting unlawfully, and the remedies for that can be substantial.
If that is happening, it is an emergency and worth immediate advice.
The notice has to be right
Different grounds require different notices with different periods. A notice that states the wrong amount, names the wrong parties, gives the wrong period or is served improperly can be defective — and a defective notice is one of the most common reasons an unlawful detainer fails.
Do not assume a notice is valid because it looks official.
Local protections add requirements
The City of Los Angeles and other cities within the county impose additional requirements on top of state law — just cause requirements, relocation assistance in some circumstances, and specific notice contents. Whether a unit is covered depends on the property and the address.
This is why two neighbours in similar buildings can have quite different rights. Check coverage before assuming anything.
Do not ignore court papers
The response window in an unlawful detainer is very short — far shorter than in ordinary civil cases. Missing it can produce a default judgment quickly. If you are served with a summons, get advice the same week.
Keep the notice and the envelope
Method and date of service are part of whether it is valid.
Check whether your unit has local protections
It changes what grounds are available to the landlord.
Respond in writing to anything factually wrong
Particularly a stated arrears figure that is incorrect.
Get help before the deadline, not after
Court self-help centres and legal aid handle these routinely — see our self-help map.