Does arrest terminate the lease?

No. Arrest doesn't terminate the lease. Rent continues to be due. If the tenant can't pay because they're incarcerated, standard nonpayment procedure applies — 3-day pay or quit, then UD.

How do I serve notices on a jailed tenant?

Personal service at the unit if possible (someone may still be there); substituted service plus mail; or post-and-mail. If you know the tenant is in custody, service through the jail mail system may also satisfy. Document the service method carefully.

Can I evict for criminal activity on the premises?

Yes if the criminal conduct occurred at the unit. 3-day unconditional quit on the criminal-activity ground (CCP §1161(4) plus possibly §1161.5). Police reports support the case.

What if the arrest was for off-site conduct?

Off-site criminal conduct doesn't itself terminate the lease. Standard procedure applies. If the tenant returns and pays rent, the tenancy continues. If they can't pay or refuse to leave, normal nonpayment/UD path.

What about belongings if tenant is in long-term custody?

If the tenant is in custody and rent goes unpaid, file UD. After judgment and sheriff lockout, handle belongings under §1980–1991. Don't dispose without the Notice of Right to Reclaim.

Tenant Arrested or Jailed in California — Lease Continues, Procedure Doesn't Pause

TL;DR

Arrest doesn't terminate the lease. Rent continues. If unpaid → 3-day pay or quit → UD. If crime occurred at the unit → 3-day unconditional quit on criminal-activity ground. Belongings handled under §1980–1991 after eventual lockout.

The basic rule

A tenant being arrested or jailed doesn't end the tenancy. Rent obligations continue. The tenant remains responsible. If they can't pay because they're in custody, that's still nonpayment under California law and standard 3-day pay or quit applies.

Criminal activity at the unit

If the arrest is for criminal conduct that occurred at the rental unit (drug manufacturing, violent crime, etc.), that conduct supports a 3-day unconditional quit on the criminal-activity ground. Police reports, court records, and any contemporaneous documentation build the case.

Service on an incarcerated tenant

Standard service options apply. Personal at the unit if anyone is there; substituted plus mail; post-and-mail after attempts. Service through the jail mail system can also work in many circumstances. Document the method.

Common questions — tenant arrested

Does arrest end the lease?

No. Rent continues.

Serve on jailed tenant?

Standard methods. Jail mail can also work.

Evict for criminal activity?

Yes if conduct occurred at the unit. 3-day unconditional quit.

Off-site conduct?

Doesn't terminate lease. Standard procedure if rent unpaid.

Belongings after long custody?

§1980–1991 after UD and lockout.

Tenant got arrested. The lease keeps running. So does the rent.