Q.What is an Unlawful Detainer?

A.An unlawful detainer is the legal process by which a landlord evicts a tenant. In other words, it’s a fancy word for eviction. If the tenant wins, the tenant gets to stay in the rental unit, and in some cases will be awarded attorney's fees. If the tenant does nothing, the tenant will lose by default and will be forced out of the rental unit typically in a little under 30 days from the filing of the eviction lawsuit. If the tenant fights the unlawful detainer, the tenant will typically be able to stay in the rental unit for two to three months (even if the tenant ultimately loses).

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