5-Day Notice Posted: Can a Landlord Change the Locks?

The sheriff has posted the five-day notice, but can you change the locks today? Not yet. Many landlords make costly mistakes at this exact stage.

Hi, I’m Bijan Shakibkoo, Co-founder and Managing Partner at SNS Law Group. In the video below, I’ll explain why only the sheriff can complete a legal lockout in California and why acting too early can expose you to an unlawful eviction claim.

Transcript:

The sheriff has posted the five-day notice. Can you change the locks today? Not quite.

Hi, my name is Bijan Shakibkoo. I’m a Co-founder and Managing Partner at SNS Law Group. And if you enjoy this video, please feel free to like and subscribe.

Evictions Are Carried Out by the Sheriff

Under California law, even after receiving a judgment for possession, landlords must wait for the sheriff to carry out the formal lockout. Acting too early, even with a court win, can open the door to liability for unlawful eviction.

This is one of the most crucial moments in the eviction process and is where many landlords make costly mistakes. At SNS Law Group, we’ve helped landlords navigate this exact situation dozens of times.

The key is following the procedure exactly as outlined by the sheriff and state law. If you’re unsure about the next steps, make sure you have the right guidance to avoid legal exposure.

Contact SNS Law Group for Legal Guidance When Evicting Tenants

Here at SNS Law Group, we will walk you through proper steps you will need to take to avoid any unlawful eviction. So feel free to give our office a call. We’ll be more than happy to help.