Unlawful Detainer and Eviction Service in Sacramento
Evictions in California follow strict legal timelines, and every day counts.
What Is an Unlawful Detainer?
Evictions in California follow strict legal timelines, and every day counts. Whether you’re a landlord serving a 3-day notice to pay or quit, a 30-day or 60-day notice to vacate, or an unlawful detainer complaint after the notice period has expired, the documents must be served correctly or the entire process stalls. Courts will reject improperly served eviction papers — and that means starting over while your property remains occupied.
Sacramento Registered Process Server handles unlawful detainer and eviction service throughout Sacramento County. We understand the urgency that comes with these cases and the precision California law requires. From the initial notice through the unlawful detainer complaint, we serve your eviction documents quickly, correctly, and with full documentation. Every service comes with a court-ready Proof of Service so you can move your case forward without delays.
An unlawful detainer is the formal legal process for evicting a tenant in California. It’s not a single document — it’s a series of steps that begins with a written notice and, if the tenant doesn’t comply, escalates to a lawsuit filed in Superior Court.
How It Works
Step 1 — Submit Your Documents
Complete our intake form and upload your eviction notice or unlawful detainer complaint. Let us know the tenant’s name, property address, and any details about the situation — such as whether other occupants are at the address. Select your service tier.
Step 2 — We Serve the Tenant
Our registered process server delivers the documents to the tenant at the rental property. If personal service isn’t possible, we follow California’s substitute service rules — serving a competent adult at the property and mailing a copy to the tenant. We document every attempt.
Step 3 — You Receive Proof of Service
Once service is complete, we provide a signed Proof of Service ready for filing with the court. For substitute service, we also handle the required mailing and provide documentation of that as well.
Pricing
Standard document delivery is a flat-rate service
All document types accepted — no extra charge for complex documents
Standard
5 business days.
- Multiple service attempts at varying times and days to maximize successful delivery
- No hidden fees or mileage charges within Sacramento
- Court-ready proof of service included
Expedited
3 business days.
- Multiple service attempts at varying times and days to maximize successful delivery
- Ideal when your court date is within the next few weeks and you need a tighter turnaround
- Court-ready proof of service included
Rush
24 Hours.
- Priority same-day/next-day service for urgent deadlines
- A registered process server is assigned and begins attempts immediately upon receipt
- Court-ready proof of service included upon completion
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you serve a 3-day notice to pay or quit?
Yes. We serve all types of eviction notices — 3-day notices to pay rent or quit, 3-day notices to cure or quit, 30-day notices, and 60-day notices. Each notice type has specific service requirements under California law, and we follow them precisely.
What if the tenant isn’t home when you attempt service?
If personal service isn’t possible, California allows substitute service for eviction documents. That means we can leave the documents with a competent adult at the property (someone who is at least 18 years old and informed of the contents) and then mail a copy to the tenant. We document the substitute service thoroughly so your Proof of Service holds up in court.
How fast should eviction papers be served?
As fast as possible. The eviction timeline doesn’t begin until the notice is properly served, and the unlawful detainer complaint gives the tenant only 5 days to respond. Our rush service delivers within 24 hours, which is what we recommend for most eviction situations.
Do you serve the unlawful detainer complaint too, or just the notice?
We handle both. Many clients use us first for the initial notice, then come back for service of the unlawful detainer summons and complaint if the tenant doesn’t comply. We can handle the entire eviction service process from start to finish.
Can a landlord serve eviction papers themselves?
For the initial notice (3-day, 30-day, or 60-day), a landlord can serve it themselves in some cases, though using a third party is strongly recommended for documentation purposes. For the unlawful detainer summons and complaint, California law requires that someone who is not a party to the case complete the service. A registered process server is the safest choice for both stages.
Ready to get your eviction papers served?
Submit your documents through our intake form. We’ll serve your tenant and deliver court-ready proof of service — fast.