Can I just tell a family member to leave?

Asking is fine. Forcing is not. If the family member has been living there with your knowledge for any sustained period, they likely have implied tenancy rights and must be removed through legal process — UD or civil ejectment depending on facts.

What if they pay no rent?

Payment isn't required for tenancy. Continued occupancy with the property owner's permission can create a tenancy at will, removable through proper §1946 notice and then UD if needed.

How long does it take?

Same as any UD timeline: 5–9 weeks uncontested post-AB 2347. Slightly faster if civil ejectment applies (no notice/lease compliance required) but ejectment is rare in family situations because implied tenancy typically applies.

What about a spouse or domestic partner?

Spousal residence rights add complexity. Family law issues may control, especially with shared real-property interests. Don't attempt to remove a spouse or partner through a UD without consulting a family-law attorney.

Can I change locks on a family member?

No. Self-help against any occupant — family or otherwise — is wrongful under §789.3. Triple damages, attorney's fees, possible criminal exposure. Even with family conflict, the UD route is the legal path.

Implied tenancy · UD procedure

Evicting a family member. Treat it like any other tenancy.

"They're family" isn't a procedural shortcut. Sustained occupancy creates implied tenancy. Removal goes through §1946 notice and UD if needed. Self-help against family produces the same §789.3 damages as against any other occupant.

TL;DR

Family member with sustained occupancy = implied tenancy. Remove via §1946 termination notice + UD if needed. No-rent payment doesn't matter. No self-help. Spouse/partner adds family-law complexity — consult attorney.

Evicting Occupant Not on Lease
Roommates & Co-Tenants

Common questions — evict family member

Just tell them to leave?

Asking fine; forcing not. Implied tenancy applies.

No rent paid?

Doesn't matter. Tenancy at will, §1946 notice.

Timeline?

Standard UD: 5–9 weeks uncontested.

Spouse/partner?

Family-law complexity. Consult attorney.

Change locks?

No. §789.3 self-help damages.