Eviction Law Updates You Need to Know (2025–2026) — What Landlords Can’t Ignore

🔍 Key Eviction Law Changes in 2025

1. Longer time to respond — 10 business daysUnder AB 2347, which took effect January 1, 2025, tenants now have 10 business days (formerly 5) to respond to an unlawful detainer (eviction) complaint. California Courts Newsroom+1

   • If the tenant was served by mail, they may get extra days. Martinez Law Center

   • Landlords must adjust their legal timelines accordingly. Martinez Law Center+1

2. Mandatory rent reporting offersStarting April 1, 2025, landlords must offer tenants the option to have positive rent payment history reported to at least one consumer credit reporting agency. California Apartment Association+1

   • For new leases: Offer at lease signing and annually. California Apartment Association+1

   • For existing leases: Offer by April 1, 2025. California Apartment Association

   • Landlords may charge a fee (not to exceed $10/month) to cover actual reporting costs. California Apartment Association

3. Photographing units for security deposit deductionsNew rules require landlords, beginning April 1, 2025, to take photographs:

   • After a tenant vacates, but before repairs/cleaning, and

   • After repairs / clean-up are completed. National Low Income Housing Coalition+1And for new tenancies starting July 1, 2025: photographs at the beginning of tenancy are required. National Low Income Housing Coalition

   • If you fail to comply, you may lose the right to deduct from the security deposit. National Low Income Housing Coalition

4. Expanded “just cause” eviction protections (SB 567)SB 567 strengthens protections for tenants under California’s rent control / just cause eviction framework. California State University Long Beach+1

   • Landlords must be careful about no-fault evictions (for example, owner move-in, removal from rental market).

   • Local jurisdictions may have additional requirements.

5. Other procedural and documentation burdens increasing

   • Tenants may use motions or demurrers to challenge eviction complaints more often. Martinez Law Center+1

   • Landlords must ensure compliance with all notice forms, timing, and legal service requirements. LeaseRunner+2Jacob Fights For You+2

   • You cannot force a tenant out by “self-help” (changing locks, shutting off utilities, removing their belongings) without a court order. Self-Help Guide to the California Courts+1

📍 What This Means for Owners in Your Area

Whether your properties are in Tulare, Kings, Fresno, or Madera Counties, these law updates apply statewide. But localized factors matter:

• Unlawful Detainer Filings in Tulare CountyIn Tulare, when filing an UD (eviction), the tenant must be properly served, and then they have 10 days to answer. Tulare Superior Court

• Court Delays & Backlog RiskWith longer response times and more tenant defenses, eviction lawsuits may drag longer — adding cost and uncertainty.

• Risk of losing deposit deductionsIf landlords don’t photograph as required, they may lose the ability to deduct for damages or cleaning.

• Compliance pressure in larger portfoliosLandlords with multiple properties or corporate ownership may face stricter rules (e.g. rent reporting requirements).

🛡 How Romine Group Can Help Property Owners

With these evolving legal complexities, many owners feel overwhelmed dealing with bad tenants. Here’s how Romine Group can be your solution:

Service	What We Do	Why It Helps
Buy your rental as-is (with problem tenant or after eviction)	We make you a cash offer and take over liability	No more legal headaches, repair costs, or tenant risk
Assist with eviction process	We coordinate with attorneys, manage timing, paperwork, and notices	Helps you stay compliant with new laws
Cleanout & repair management	Post-eviction, we handle clean-up, rekeys, repairs	Saves you effort, money, and time
Offer alternative exit	If managing rentals is too burdensome, we help you exit the landlord business	You can cash out and move on
Stay up-to-date compliance	We monitor law changes and advise you how to adjust	Protects against legal mistakes and liability

If your property is causing stress — whether from evictions, tenant damage, or regulatory risk — reaching out to Romine Group can be a proactive move.

✅ What You Should Do Next

1. Review your lease agreements and notice templates to ensure they align with AB 2347 and SB 567.

2. Start photographing current units (upon turnover) as per new deposit rules.

3. Plan for extended legal timelines; don’t assume evictions will be swift.

4. Explore your exit options — if one property is overwhelming, selling or handing it off may free you up to focus on fewer assets.

5. Contact us (559-254-8223) for a free consultation. We can help evaluate your property, propose solutions, and take on the burden.

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