The Law Office of Aaron Kohanim has extensive experience with the Van Nuys Eviction law in the City of Los Angeles. 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 Van Nuys Eviction Lawyer, a landlord must follow these steps:
Landlords in Van Nuys dealing with non-paying tenants must follow strict legal procedures before they can initiate an eviction. In Los Angeles, where many properties fall under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO), even small errors in the 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit can result in delays, dismissals, or tenant-friendly judgments.
As an eviction attorney serving Van Nuys and the San Fernando Valley, the Law Office of Aaron Kohanim help landlords navigate this process efficiently, lawfully, and with a focus on protecting their investment.
1. Confirm RSO Compliance
Before a landlord may serve a notice or initiate eviction, the rental property must be in full compliance with Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) Chapter XV, including:
- RSO Registration: Rental unit must be registered with the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAMC § 151.05(A)).
- RSO Notice Posting: RSO notification must be posted in a conspicuous area (LAMC § 151.05(I)).
- Rent Registry Filing: Landlord must file annual rent and tenancy data (LAMC § 151.05(J)).
- Fees Paid: All RSO and SCEP fees must be current (LAMC § 151.05(B)).
Failure to comply with any of the above can be raised by the tenant as an affirmative defense to block the eviction.
2. Draft the 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit
The notice must include:
- Exact amount of unpaid rent (no late fees, utilities, or other charges unless allowed by law),
- Dates for each missed rent payment,
- A clear statement: the tenant has 3 calendar days (excluding weekends and holidays) to pay or vacate,
- Contact information for payment and landlord details,
- Legal language as required under California law and Los Angeles rent control rules.
3. Serve the Notice Properly
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 1162, service must correct.
4. Wait the Mandatory 3 Days
The tenant has three court days (not including weekends or court holidays) to:
- Pay the full rent demanded,
- Vacate the property, or
- Do nothing — which allows the landlord to proceed to court.
5. File an Unlawful Detainer Lawsuit
If the tenant fails to comply within 3 days, the landlord may file an unlawful detainer (eviction) complaint with the court. The complaint must include:
- A copy of the notice served,
- Proof of service, and
- Evidence of RSO compliance, if applicable.
6. Court Proceedings and Judgment
If the tenant files an answer, the case proceeds to trial. A judge will dismiss the case if:
- The notice is defective,
- The unit is not RSO compliant, or
- The tenant proves an affirmative defense such as rent overcharge, retaliation, or uninhabitable conditions.
With a proper notice and legal representation, the landlord may obtain a judgment for possession and back rent, and proceed with a writ of possession for sheriff lockout.
Why Hiring an Eviction Attorney in Van Nuys Is Essential
The Los Angeles eviction process is complex — especially under the city’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance. Many self-represented landlords lose their cases due to:
- Technical errors in notices,
- Missed RSO compliance,
- Improper service, or
- Procedural missteps in court.
As an experienced eviction attorney based near Van Nuys, I ensure your notice is properly prepared, legally compliant, and backed by the documentation required to win in court. I also protect your case from common tenant defenses and guide you through the entire process from notice to lockout.
Conclusion
If your tenant has not paid rent, acting quickly and lawfully is essential — but doing it right is even more critical. In Van Nuys and throughout Los Angeles, landlords must comply with RSO requirements and serve a valid 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit before they can lawfully regain possession of their property.
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.