Want to sue a past tenant for damages and past due rent totallying $10,000 on my guest home.

Question

I kicked her out upon noticing my property totally destroyed (walls, carpet, etc). I never gave her an eviction notice although she was 3 months past due on her rent. Do I have right to claim any money back for back rent or damages to the property? This is in Los Angeles County.

Answer 1

Small claims court is perfect for you.  You can get $5,000.  If she didn't pay, she owes you the money.  Pay the $35 filing fee today.  The papers are easy. /

Answer 2

You will not likely get anywhere since you illegally evicted her.   If you had done it the right way you would be OK, but illegal evictions pretty much seal your fate.    LA is especially harsh on landlords who are not by the book, they are more lenient with tenants, who are not as accountable for knowing the law.   There ignorance is still not an excuse, but the judges tend to let them slide if anything is questionable.     The fact that you were willing to illegally evict someone will make any accusations of other illegal behavior completely believable.