The eviction process in California can be one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. There is so much uncertainty going on, as well as financial repercussions, that you’d rather just put the entire situation behind you and move on with your life.

The length of time it takes to resolve these eviction cases or see them through can be extremely long. Whether the case is uncontested or contested, evictions are lasting longer than ever before.

There are a few reasons that evictions are taking so long today, including confusing lease agreements, an increase in the number of evictions tenants have to deal with, and an overall increase in the amount of eviction cases that make it to court. If an eviction does reach a court setting, a judge will hear and render a decision within 20 days after the case request.

Here are a few ways to speed up the eviction process and put the entire situation behind you as quickly as possible.

• Work With the Professionals — Fighting any case by yourself can be even more stressful than the initial problem. Even if you know you’re in the right and have plenty of proof against the tenant in question, going against an opposing attorney can be overwhelming. Make sure you consult with a real estate attorney you trust who is knowledgeable in all facets of real estate law. They can take a look at the lease agreement in question and decide what options you have.

 

• Have All the Necessary Information — It’s important to provide your real estate agent with any and all documentation that might assist them in resolving your case. Make copies and provide the real estate agent with the lease agreement, proof that you gave the tenant enough warning prior to the notice of eviction, as well as the tenant application and ledger.

 

• Note and Date Everything — Leading up to the eviction notice, and especially in the days after the notice was provided, make sure to document and date everything so both your real estate agent and the judge — if it reaches the court — can have a succinct timeframe of the eviction in question.