Commercial Eviction Attorney in San Francisco

Eviction Representation in San Francisco and Throughout California

Mr. Wood has a particular interest in commercial eviction and is ready to help any commercial landlord who is ready to terminate the landlord/tenant relationship and move on. As a commercial landlord himself, Mr. Wood appreciates the heartache and economic loss that can be felt if prompt and precise action is not taken in court. The eviction laws have been changing daily in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The attorneys at WLAPC have been on top of those changes. Commercial landlords ready to take action are invited to contact the firm to review their litigation options.

When we advise commercial property owners on an eviction in San Francisco, we look closely at the lease, prior notices, payment history, and any communications with the tenant. This allows us to assess whether the landlord has complied with California notice requirements and local protections before filing an unlawful detainer action. We also walk our clients through the likely timeline in San Francisco Superior Court, from filing to lockout, so they can plan for vacancy, re-leasing, and cash flow during the process. By approaching each matter with this level of preparation, we help landlords make informed business decisions instead of reacting under pressure.

Our firm also pays careful attention to local rules and emergency measures that have affected commercial evictions in recent years. In San Francisco, city and county directives, along with statewide statutes, have periodically limited or delayed certain eviction actions. We help landlords understand which restrictions still apply to their property type and tenant, and which no longer do. By staying current on these developments and explaining them in plain language, we reduce the risk of missteps that could delay an eviction or expose the landlord to claims from the tenant.

Our Commercial Eviction Process

Commercial landlords often want to know what to expect once they decide to move forward with a San Francisco eviction. We take a structured approach that is designed to reduce surprises and give property owners a clear roadmap from the first consultation through the conclusion of the case. At the outset, we review the lease and any amendments, evaluate the basis for termination, and confirm that all required notices have been or will be properly served under California law and any applicable San Francisco ordinances. This early analysis allows us to identify strengths and potential vulnerabilities before anything is filed in court.

Once we are confident that the landlord is positioned to proceed, we prepare and file the unlawful detainer complaint in the appropriate division of San Francisco Superior Court or, when the property is located elsewhere, the correct county court. We keep landlords informed about key dates such as the tenant’s deadline to respond, potential motion hearings, and trial settings. Throughout the process, we evaluate whether settlement, tenant surrender, or negotiated move-out terms might achieve the landlord’s business objectives more efficiently than a contested trial. By combining careful preparation with ongoing strategic reassessment, we help landlords pursue a path that aligns with their risk tolerance and timing needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does a Commercial Eviction Case Usually Take?

The length of a commercial eviction case depends on several factors, including how quickly notices are served, whether the tenant contests the case, and the court’s calendar. In the San Francisco Superior Court, uncontested matters may move more quickly, while contested cases with hearings and a trial setting can take longer. Landlords should also factor in the time needed to prepare the file, coordinate with a process server, and arrange for any sheriff’s lockout that might be required after judgment.

Do I Have to Offer My Tenant a Payment Plan Before Filing an Eviction?

Commercial landlords are not always required to offer a payment plan before starting an eviction, but local ordinances or lease terms can affect what is advisable. In some situations, discussing a structured payment arrangement can resolve the dispute without litigation and keep the space occupied. Before making any written offer, it is wise to have the lease and any draft agreement reviewed so that the landlord does not unintentionally waive rights or create new obligations.

What Should I Bring to My First Meeting About a Commercial Eviction?

For an initial consultation with a commercial evictionlawyer, landlords should gather the signed lease and amendments, a ledger of payments and any arrears, copies of prior notices, and relevant emails or letters exchanged with the tenant. It is also helpful to have notes about the property’s current condition, any subtenants or guarantors, and the landlord’s goals for the space once the tenancy ends. Having these materials ready allows for a more productive discussion of options and potential next steps.

If you're experiencing a commercial eviction, contact us by calling (415) 936-0300 today!