Skip to main content
Property Management Excellence Property Management Excellence
PM Professionals PM Leaders Owners Principles Tools Insights Book
Choose your path
PM ProfessionalsPM Leaders OwnersPrinciples ToolsInsightsBook
  1. Glossary
  2. Legal & Compliance
  3. Unlawful Detainer
Legal & Compliance U

Unlawful Detainer

Also known as: Eviction Lawsuit, Summary Dispossession
Concise Definition (AEO)

A legal court action filed by a property manager to regain lawful possession of real property and evict a non-compliant or holdover occupant.

An Unlawful Detainer is a formal judicial lawsuit initiated by a landlord or property manager to legally evict a tenant who remains in possession of a real property without permission, typically following non-payment of rent, substantial lease violations, or failure to vacate upon lease expiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an unlawful detainer lawsuit?

An unlawful detainer is a summary court proceeding brought by a property owner to legally regain physical possession of real property from an occupant who remains in default after statutory notice periods expire.

Compliance Diagnostic

Fair Housing & Legal Risk Self-Assessment

Audit screening criteria, accessibility policies, and adverse action workflows to ensure 100% compliance with federal and state mandates.

Explore Compliance Readiness →

Related Terms

  • Notice to Cure or Quit
  • Holdover Tenant
  • Constructive Eviction

More in Legal & Compliance

See all Legal & Compliance terms →

AB 1482 California Tenant Protection Act

California statewide legislation establishing annual rent increase caps (5% + CPI) and mandatory just cause eviction protections for residential units.

Read definition →

ADA Title III Commercial Facility Compliance

Federal civil rights accessibility mandates ensuring places of public accommodation feature barrier-free parking, ramps, doors, and restrooms.

Read definition →

Adverse Action Notice

A statutory disclosure required under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) when a rental application is denied or approved conditionally based on credit reports.

Read definition →

Commingling

The illegal practice of mixing client or tenant trust funds—such as security deposits—with property management operational or personal business accounts.

Read definition →

Constructive Eviction

A legal circumstance where a landlord's failure to maintain habitable premises forces a resident to vacate, relieving them of further rent liability.

Read definition →
← Back to all glossary terms

Property Management Excellence

Practical guidance for the real work of property management.

Read the book

Explore PME

PME principles Practical tools Articles and guides Glossary

About Anthony

Anthony A. Luna Coastline Equity LinkedIn

Stay connected

PME newsletter Contact Anthony
© 2026 Property Management Excellence Privacy policy