As an individual landlord, yes — California allows pro per representation. Forms (UD-100, UD-105, UD-110, CIV-100) are available at the courthouse and online. The procedure is technical and a small misstep restarts the clock. For a clean nonpayment case with a responsive tenant, DIY is feasible. For anything contested, an attorney usually pays for itself in time saved.

When is an attorney required?

For corporations and LLCs in California courts — entities must be represented by attorney. If your rental is held in an LLC, attorney is mandatory for any UD. Budget this into your ownership-structure decision.

What about local-ordinance cities?

LA, SF, Oakland, Berkeley, Santa Monica, San Jose, San Diego, and others have local rent-board and just-cause overlays. The procedural traps are city-specific. For first UDs in any of these jurisdictions, an attorney with local-court experience is worth the cost — the rejection rate for DIY notices in these cities is high.

What's the cost-benefit math?

Holdover rent typically exceeds attorney fees within the first month of avoided delay. Lease attorney-fees clauses make fees recoverable from the tenant on a winning judgment. For contested cases, attorney representation often shortens the case by weeks. Quote multiple UD attorneys for current rates.

What about UD service-companies?

Several companies offer DIY-with-support packages — they prepare forms for the landlord but the landlord signs and files pro per. Lower cost than full attorney representation. Works for simple cases. Doesn't substitute for legal advice on contested or jurisdiction-specific issues.

DIY vs attorney · Cost-benefit

When to hire an eviction attorney. It's a math problem.

Individual landlord + uncontested + non-rent-control jurisdiction = DIY feasible. LLC owner, contested case, or local-ordinance city = attorney usually pays for itself. Holdover rent often exceeds attorney fees in the first month of saved delay.

TL;DR

DIY: feasible for individuals on clean uncontested cases. Required: entities (LLC/corp) in California courts. Smart: contested cases, local-ordinance cities (LA/SF/Oakland/Berkeley/SM/SJ/SD). Lease attorney-fees clause makes fees recoverable.

UD Attorney Fees
UD Step-by-Step

Common questions — hire UD attorney?

DIY feasible?

Individual + uncontested + non-rent-control.

Required?

Entities in CA courts.

Local-ordinance cities?

Attorney recommended.

Cost-benefit?

Holdover rent often exceeds attorney fees quickly.

Service-company option?

Form prep for DIY; lower cost.