An eviction in Los Angeles is two service events: the 3-day, 30-day or 60-day notice served under Code of Civil Procedure section 1162 before anything is filed, and the summons and complaint after filing. Get either wrong and the case can be dismissed with the tenant still in possession.
StrikeServe serves both stages anywhere in Los Angeles County through registered process servers dispatched by area, and returns a signed proof. We also file the complaint and deliver the writ to the Sheriff.
Code of Civil Procedure section 1161 and Civil Code section 1946.1; all served under section 1162.
Starts the case after the notice period runs; attaches the notice and its proof of service.
Served with the complaint on every named tenant, together with the court's Sixth Amended Standing Order, which the plaintiff must serve and file proof of.
Completed by the server after delivering the packet; filed with the court.
Include the blank UD-105 Answer, any prejudgment claim form, and, for cases at Stanley Mosk under the court's settlement pilot, the Notice Regarding Services (SCLAC CIV 313).
Section 1162 lists the methods in order: personal delivery first; if the tenant is absent from home and work, a copy left with a person of suitable age and discretion at either place plus a copy mailed to the residence; and only if neither can be done, posting in a conspicuous place on the property with a copy mailed to the tenant there. Our declaration records which method was used and why; it is attached to the UD-100.
Los Angeles layers local rules on top of state law. In the City of Los Angeles, the Rent Stabilization Ordinance covers older multifamily units and the Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance (Ordinance No. 187737, effective January 27, 2023) covers most other residential units, both administered by the Los Angeles Housing Department. In unincorporated areas, the County's Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protections Ordinance (County Code chapter 8.52) applies; other cities have their own. StrikeServe serves the notice you or your attorney prepared and does not advise on ordinance compliance.
After the notice period expires and the complaint is filed, the SUM-130 and UD-100 are served like any civil summons: personal service under section 415.10 first, then substituted service under section 415.20(b) after reasonable diligence, complete ten days after mailing. Under section 1167, the tenant's response is due within 10 days after service, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and judicial holidays.
Under section 415.45, an unlawful detainer summons may be served by posting only after an affidavit satisfies the court that the tenant cannot with reasonable diligence be served any other way. The court orders the summons posted on the premises and a copy sent by certified mail to the tenant, and service is complete on the tenth day after posting and mailing. StrikeServe's Declaration of Non-Service is the evidence that supports that application.
From 2015 the court routed limited jurisdiction unlawful detainer cases to eight regional hubs by ZIP code. Effective March 3, 2026, the Sixth Amended Standing Order (2026-SJ-002-00) assigns these cases to all courthouses; the court's Filing Court Locator sets the location, and a complaint sent elsewhere is rejected. The order also requires form LASC CIV 312 with the tenant's known cell numbers at filing. Courthouses we file and serve for most often:
Only the Sheriff can remove a tenant. After judgment, the clerk issues a Writ of Possession of Real Property, and the writ goes to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Civil Management Bureau with signed instructions and the fee deposit, currently $145 ($85 to serve the notice, $60 for the lockout). The Sheriff serves or posts the writ with a five-day Notice to Vacate under Code of Civil Procedure section 715.010(b)(2), then returns to enforce it if the occupants remain. StrikeServe delivers the writ and instructions to the branch for the property, fees passed through at cost.
Every visit is recorded on your timeline with GPS coordinates, a timestamp and notes: who answered, whether the tenant was seen, vehicles present, whether a suitable adult was available. Those notes become the declaration of diligence for substituted service, the affidavit for a section 415.45 posting order, or the Declaration of Non-Service. Each named tenant is a separate serve with its own proof.
To order: upload the notice or the file-stamped summons packet with the property address, choose Routine, Rush or Same-Day (Same-Day by noon), follow each attempt on your timeline, and download the signed proof. We can file it for you.
Ready when you are. Upload the notice or the packet to start.
Order online in a few minutes, or call and we will set it up with you.