Santa Monica Eviction and Unlawful Detainer Lawyer

Baghikian Law represents both landlords and tenants in eviction and unlawful detainer matters throughout Santa Monica and the surrounding Los Angeles County area. California evictions move on a strict statutory timeline, and a single misstep, such as a defective notice, improper service, or a missed deadline, can decide the outcome. We bring precision and speed to every case.

The Unlawful Detainer Process in Santa Monica

Most evictions begin with a written notice, followed by an unlawful detainer complaint filed in the Superior Court that serves Santa Monica. Cases for Santa Monica are generally heard at the Santa Monica Courthouse, 1725 Main St., Santa Monica 90401, with the filing location set by the property ZIP code. Once served, a tenant has just 10 business days to file a response, so acting quickly is essential for both sides.

Representing Santa Monica Landlords

For property owners in Santa Monica, we prepare notices that survive judicial scrutiny, file and prosecute unlawful detainer actions, and carry cases through trial and the writ of possession when needed. We handle non-payment of rent, lease breaches, owner move-ins, and substantial-remodel matters, and we confirm compliance with every local rule before a notice goes out.

Defending Santa Monica Tenants

For tenants facing eviction in Santa Monica, we review the validity of the notice, the landlord's compliance with local just-cause and rent-control rules, habitability defenses, retaliation, and procedural defects. Missing the 10 business day response window can lead to a default judgment, so we move fast to protect your housing and your record.

Local Rules That Shape Santa Monica Evictions

Santa Monica Rent Control Law (City Charter Article XVIII), one of the oldest and strictest in California. Covers apartments built before April 10, 1979. Because notice periods, just-cause requirements, and filing obligations can differ by jurisdiction, we confirm exactly which rules apply to a property in Downtown Santa Monica, Pico Neighborhood, Mid-City Santa Monica, Ocean Park, and Wilshire Montana or elsewhere in Santa Monica before advising on any eviction.

Read our full eviction and unlawful detainer overview