The eviction process is part of State law. For more information on California’s eviction process, please go to http://www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp-eviction.htm. Please consult an attorney for more information regarding your rights and responsibilities. 

Under California state law, it is against the law for an owner to evict a tenant on their own.  The landlord must get a court order. The landlord cannot:

• Physically remove the tenant
• Get rid of the tenant’s personal property
• Lock the tenant out
• Cut off utilities
• Remove outside doors or windows 
• Change the locks.

Additionally, the landlord cannot evict a tenant for exercising their rights as a tenant.    

Per Hayward’s Ordinance, if a landlord does not provide a written eviction notice and specify the reason for the eviction, the tenant can use this as an eviction defense in court if the unit is covered by the Ordinance.