Services Offered by LA Tenant Defense
I just got an eviction notice! What are the next steps?
1. Contact a lawyer if you can, either a private one or through a legal aid.
2. Cure the notice if you can. Pay the rent owed, or cure the breach of lease the landlord is alleging. Even if you don't think you owe rent, it might be easier to pay the amount in the notice and fight to get it back later, rather than face a court case.
3. If you can't cure the notice, expect an unlawful detainer (eviction) complaint
I just got served with the complaint! What do I do?
1. Contact a lawyer if you can, either a private one or through a legal aid.
2. Even if you can't contact a lawyer, you only have 10 court days to respond to the complaint. You must file an answer.
3. Find out what rent control laws apply to your apartment.
4. List all your defenses on the answer
5. File your answer and fee waiver if necessary
6. File a jury demand, and a second fee waiver to waive jury fees
7. Show up to your court date, you should get notice in the mail. Connect with a legal aid or lawyer to handle your case.