Yes, you can. California law allows landlords to represent themselves in Unlawful Detainer (eviction) proceedings. Many landlords successfully handle evictions without an attorney, especially when using professional document preparation services.
What You Can Do Without a Lawyer
- ✅ Prepare and serve eviction notices
- ✅ File an Unlawful Detainer complaint
- ✅ Represent yourself at trial (individual landlords)
- ✅ Request default judgment
- ✅ File for a Writ of Possession
The Key Limitation
If the property is owned by an LLC, corporation, or partnership, an attorney is generally required to appear in court. Only natural persons (individuals) can represent themselves. This means: – Individual owner → Can self-represent ✅ – LLC owner → Usually needs an attorney for court appearances ❌ – Corporate owner → Needs an attorney for court appearances ❌
However: Even LLC and corporate owners can use document preparation services for the paperwork and only hire an attorney if the case goes to trial.
DIY Eviction vs. Document Preparation vs. Attorney
| Factor | DIY | Document Prep | Attorney |
| Cost | $400–$700 (court costs) | $899 + court costs | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Error risk | High | Low | Low |
| Your time | 15–25 hours | 2–3 hours | Minimal |
| Court representation | You (individuals only) | You (individuals only) | Attorney appears for you |
| Best for | Experienced landlords | Most landlords | Contested cases, LLC owners |
When You Definitely Need a Lawyer
While most straightforward evictions can be handled without an attorney, consider hiring one if: – The tenant has hired a lawyer – The tenant raises habitability or retaliation defenses – The property is in a rent-controlled jurisdiction with complex local rules – You suspect the tenant will file bankruptcy – The case involves allegations of discrimination – Your property is owned by an LLC or corporation and the case is contested
How Superior Court Docs Helps Self-Representing Landlords
Superior Court Docs bridges the gap between DIY and attorney representation: – We prepare every document you need — notice, complaint, summons, default judgment, Writ of Possession – We ensure compliance with state law and local ordinances (including LA’s LARSO) – We provide step-by-step instructions for filing, service, and court appearances – You handle the filings and any court appearances yourself
Starting at $899. 📞 (213) 973-7248 or get started.
Related: The Complete Guide to California Eviction | Eviction Lawyer vs. Paralegal | About Superior Court Docs
We uphold the highest standards of integrity
Superior Court Docs offers the most affordable paralegal services in California most specifically Los Angeles. We provide the most reliable law document services in the industry.
Contact Us
