How long does a tenant have to appeal a UD?

30 days from notice of entry of judgment under California Rules of Court. Appeals go to the appellate division of the Superior Court in the same county.

Does appeal stay the eviction?

Not automatically. The tenant must post a stay bond — typically the amount of past-due rent plus reasonable expected costs. Without the bond, eviction proceeds while appeal is pending.

How long do UD appeals take?

Several months to over a year. The tenant may remain in possession during appeal only if the bond is posted and ongoing use-and-occupancy fees are paid.

What's the appeals standard?

Substantial evidence review of factual findings, de novo review of legal questions. UD appeals frequently turn on notice defects, just-cause analysis, or habitability findings.

How often do tenants win UD appeals?

Rare to reverse on factual findings; more common on legal-error theories (defective notice not raised below, just-cause failure). Most appeals are aimed at delay rather than reversal.

30-day deadline · Stay bond

UD appeals. Tenant has 30 days. Stay requires a bond.

Most UD appeals are about delay. Tenant must post a stay bond to remain in possession during appeal. Without the bond, eviction proceeds.

TL;DR

30 days to appeal from notice of entry of judgment. Stay of execution requires bond. Appellate division of Superior Court. Months to over a year. Most appeals delay-motivated; legal-error reversals are the main risk.

UD Step by Step
Writ of Possession

Common questions — UD appeals

Appeal deadline?

30 days from notice of entry of judgment.

Automatic stay?

No. Stay bond required.

Length?

Several months to over a year.

Standard?

Substantial evidence for facts; de novo for legal questions.

Success rate?

Low. Most are delay-motivated.