The Law Office of Aaron Kohanim has extensive experience with the Norwalk Eviction law. With extensive laws under Rent Control laws, an experience attorney is needed in order to win an unlawful detainer case.
Call Us Now! To initiate an unlawful detainer. With a simple eviction form, we can create and serve an eviction notice on your behalf and initiate the process.
For a nonpayment of rent case in Norwalk Eviction Lawyer, a landlord must follow these steps:
Norwalk, like all cities in California not subject to their own more protective just cause eviction ordinances, follows the statewide standards established in California Civil Code § 1946.2. If you are a landlord seeking to evict a tenant for nonpayment of rent, strict compliance with this law is essential to avoid dismissal of your case. Below is a guide to lawfully initiating an eviction for nonpayment in Norwalk.
Step 1: Confirm the Tenancy is Covered by Civil Code § 1946.2
Civil Code § 1946.2 applies if:
- The tenant has lawfully and continuously occupied the rental for 12 months, or
- One or more tenants have occupied it for 24 months, even if other adults moved in later.
It does not apply if:
- The property is a single-family home or condo and the lease includes a proper exemption notice under § 1946.2(e)(8)(B),
- The property is subject to a local just cause eviction ordinance adopted before September 1, 2019, or
- The property falls into other exemptions listed in § 1946.2(e), such as certain owner-occupied properties, new construction, or government-subsidized housing.
Step 2: Identify the Just Cause – Nonpayment of Rent
Nonpayment of rent is considered an “at-fault just cause” for eviction under § 1946.2(b)(1)(A). There is no cure period required under § 1946.2 for nonpayment alone (unlike other lease violations).
Step 3: Serve a Legally Compliant Three-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit
The notice must:
- Demand only rent legally due (not late fees, utilities, etc.),
- Include the exact amount of rent owed,
- Provide 3 days to pay (excluding court holidays),
- Include information required under Code of Civ. Proc. § 1161(2).
Strict compliance is required; any defects can invalidate the notice.
Step 4: Wait for Compliance or Expiration
If the tenant:
- Pays within 3 days: You must accept the rent and the tenancy continues.
- Fails to pay within 3 days: You may proceed to file the unlawful detainer (eviction) lawsuit.
Step 5: File the Unlawful Detainer Lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court – Norwalk Courthouse
Prepare and file:
- Complaint for unlawful detainer
- Proof of service of the 3-day notice
- Summons and related documents
Step 6: Additional Requirements for Compliance
If the property is subject to Civil Code § 1946.2, the landlord must have provided the tenant with written notice that the property is subject to the just cause eviction rules. This must have been given:
- As an addendum to the lease, or
- As a separate written notice, in at least 12-point type.
Required language (verbatim per statute):
“California law limits the amount your rent can be increased. See Section 1947.12 of the Civil Code for more information. California law also provides that after all of the tenants have continuously and lawfully occupied the property for 12 months or more or at least one of the tenants has continuously and lawfully occupied the property for 24 months or more, a landlord must provide a statement of cause in any notice to terminate a tenancy. See Section 1946.2 of the Civil Code for more information.”
Failure to provide this notice renders the termination notice void.
Step 7: Avoid Accepting Rent After the Notice Period
Once the notice expires, do not accept rent, or you may inadvertently reinstate the tenancy and waive your right to evict.
Conclusion
Evicting a tenant in Norwalk for nonpayment of rent requires strict adherence to Civil Code § 1946.2. Before starting, confirm your property is not exempt, issue a compliant 3-day notice, and ensure you’ve satisfied the disclosure requirements. Failure to comply with any requirement could render your notice void and your case subject to dismissal.
Contact the Law Office of Aaron Kohanim today to schedule a consultation. You can call us at (310) 861-7506. If you prefer to send a quick message, visit our Contact Us page.
The response above is not intended as legal advice. This response does not create an attorney-client relationship. Legal questions can only be fully answered through consultation with an attorney to whom you give full and accurate details. It is highly recommended that you seek advice from an attorney by setting up a confidential meeting. All who read this answer should not rely on the answer to govern their conduct.