Unlawful Detainer and Eviction: The Difference

Many times property owners contact this office, saying that they need an eviction. Sometimes they don’t need an eviction. Rather, if there is no rental agreement, they may need to file an unlawful detainer lawsuit instead.

Eviction Lawsuit and Unlawful Detainer Lawsuit: The Difference Explained

An eviction lawsuit is predicated on someone breaking a lease agreement – whether verbal or written, But what do you do when you let someone move in as a favor and they never agreed to pay rent, In that case you need to file an unlawful detainer lawsuit.

An unlawful detainer lawsuit is filed against an unwanted guest or a squatter. The lawsuit is sometimes filed against an ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend that refuses to accept the breakup. The lawsuit is sometimes filed by a homeowner against his or her adult child who has a drug or alcohol problem — and refuses to sober up.