Fremont, CA asked in Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for California

Q: I am currently evicting a tenant in Alameda County and would like to know the timeline for sheriff's lockout?

I am currently in the process of evicting a tenant in Alameda County and would like to know the timeline for a sheriff's eviction. How long does it typically take for the sheriff to carry out the eviction once the writ of possession has been issued?

I've reviewed some older cases but couldn't find the return of the writ of possession. Is it necessary for the sheriff to file the return writ after executing the eviction?

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: Once the writ of possession is issued in Alameda County, it typically takes the sheriff around one to three weeks to carry out the eviction. However, this timeline can vary based on the sheriff's backlog and any delays in the process. After receiving the writ, the sheriff will post a notice on the tenant's door, giving them five days to vacate voluntarily before the physical lockout.

If the tenant does not leave within that period, the sheriff will schedule the lockout, which is usually completed within a week or so after the notice period ends. Be sure to monitor communication from the sheriff's office to stay informed of any specific timing updates.

After executing the eviction, the sheriff will file the return of the writ of possession with the court, which confirms the eviction has been carried out. While it may not be necessary for you to follow up on this filing, it’s good to ensure all legal steps have been properly documented for your records.

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