Do this today
- Keep the paper. Photograph every page.
- Write the date, time, and how it arrived.
- Look for Los Angeles County Superior Court — unlawful detainer (Long Beach venue), a case number, or an appearance date.
- If a court is named, call legal aid the same day. Do not guess the deadline.
What were you handed?
| The paper | What it usually is | Do this |
|---|---|---|
| Landlord notice | A step before a court case. Not a judgment, and not a lockout. | Date it. Keep the original. Write down how it arrived. Check whether it offers a chance to fix the problem. |
| Court papers | A case has been filed. A court name, case number, or appearance date is running. | Call legal aid the same day. Do not ignore it. Bring the papers and a timeline of how you received them. |
| Lockout or shutoff | Locks changed, belongings moved, or utilities cut on an occupied unit. | Call 211 and legal aid today. In most states a landlord may not do this personally. Police non-emergency can document it. |
Is a notice in Long Beach the same as being evicted?
No. A written landlord notice is a step. Los Angeles County Superior Court — unlawful detainer (Long Beach venue) is where a possession case is heard. Papers that name a court, a case number, or an appearance date mean a case has been filed — that is same-day legal-aid work. Long Beach administers its own rent and just-cause programs. LAHD is a different city.
What should I be careful not to do?
Do not ignore court papers. Do not assume a lockout is lawful because a notice looks official. Do not sign a move-out or cash-for-keys paper you have not read with an advocate. Long Beach Development Services — rent stabilization is not a substitute for legal aid once a case is filed.
Is Long Beach the same as Los Angeles for renters?
No. Long Beach has its own just-cause and rent-stabilization stack. LAHD does not administer a Long Beach unit. Confirm with the City of Long Beach. California Civil Code remains the floor.
The Long Beach layer
Long Beach administers its own rent and just-cause programs. LAHD is a different city.
California Civil Code — hiring of real property (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1940 to 1954.06) is the California floor. We name it. We do not paraphrase a day-count or a dollar cap out of it.
Long Beach questions
Can my landlord in Long Beach evict me without going to court?
No. Changing locks or shutting off utilities is not how possession is completed. Los Angeles County Superior Court — unlawful detainer (Long Beach venue) is the court. If the paper names it, call legal aid the same day.
How long does an eviction notice last in Long Beach?
That number is in California Civil Code — hiring of real property, and it can depend on the reason, the housing type, and any local ordinance. This site does not reprint it. Open the chapter or call legal aid with the paper in your hand.
Is Long Beach the same as Los Angeles for renters?
No. Long Beach has its own just-cause and rent-stabilization stack. LAHD does not administer a Long Beach unit. Confirm with the City of Long Beach. California Civil Code remains the floor.
What number should I call in Long Beach?
Danger: 911. Mental-health crisis: 988. City services: 311. Court papers: LawHelp.org the same day. Long Beach Development Services — rent stabilization does not replace legal aid when a case is filed.
National answers on this desk
Last reviewed 8 September 2026. Legal information, not legal advice. Not a law firm. hello@renterprotection.org