California Tenant Question Library
What Is a Judgment for Possession?
Short answer
It's the court's decision giving the landlord the right to possession of the property — and it comes after the landlord wins the case, not before.
A judgment for possession is the court's ruling, in an unlawful detainer case, that the landlord is entitled to get the property back.
It comes only after the case is decided — either after a trial, or by default if the tenant doesn't respond. A judgment for possession is not the same as being removed; it's the court's decision that leads to the next step, a writ of possession, which is what involves the sheriff.
A Few Things Worth Knowing
- It's the court's decision awarding possession to the landlord.
- It comes after the case is decided — by trial or by default.
- It leads to the next step, a writ of possession — not an immediate lockout.
The Tool for This Stage
Understand Where the Case Stands
The California Tenant Rapid Defense System helps you understand the stages of an unlawful detainer case.