Attention Orange County landlords and property owners! Get ready for some key changes to California’s eviction process. Assembly Bill 2347 is set to take effect on January 1, 2025, and it’s crucial to understand how it impacts your operations.
What AB 2347 Means for Orange County Landlords:
- More Time for Tenants to Respond: One of the biggest changes is the increased time tenants have to respond to an eviction lawsuit. It’s now 10 days (excluding weekends and holidays) instead of the previous 5 days. This means you’ll need to adjust your timelines and expectations accordingly.
- Additional Time for Certain Service Methods: If you serve an eviction notice in Orange County through the Secretary of State’s address confidentiality program, tenants get an extra 5 court days to respond. If you serve an eviction by “subservice” on another member of the household, that tenant gets an additional 10 calendar days to respond. Keep this in mind when choosing your service method.
- Stricter Deadlines for Motions: AB 2347 introduces specific deadlines for filing, opposing, and hearing demurrers or motions to strike. Make sure you’re aware of these deadlines to avoid missing any critical steps in the process.
Stay Ahead of the Curve in Orange County
- Review and Update Procedures: Take the time now to review your current eviction procedures and update them to comply with AB 2347.
- Educate Yourself and Your Team: Make sure you and your staff understand the new law and how it will affect your day-to-day operations. Consider attending workshops or seeking legal guidance to clarify any questions you may have.
- Document Everything: Meticulous documentation is more critical than ever. Keep thorough records of all notices, filings, and service methods to ensure you’re protected in case of legal challenges.
- Expect Delays: In light of the new changes, be prepared for evictions to take much longer to get to lockout in most cases.
AB 2347 brings significant changes to the eviction landscape in Orange County. By understanding these changes and taking proactive steps to comply, you can protect your interests and ensure a smoother eviction process. This Orange County Evictions blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with our eviction attorney in Orange County to discuss your specific legal situation.
