How do I get a writ of possession?

After UD judgment for possession, request Writ of Possession of Real Property (EJ-130) from the court clerk. Pay the writ fee. Clerk issues the writ. Take it to the sheriff's office in the county where the property is located.

What does the sheriff do?

Sheriff posts a 5-day notice at the property notifying the tenant of the lockout date. If the tenant hasn't vacated by then, the sheriff physically restores possession to the landlord on the scheduled date.

How long does sheriff scheduling take?

Varies by county. OC and LA add 1–3 weeks for scheduling after the 5-day posted notice. Bay Area can run longer. Plan for the full window.

What about belongings left behind?

After the sheriff lockout, the landlord follows the §1980–1991 abandoned-property procedure with Notice of Right to Reclaim. Don't dispose immediately even after lockout.

Can a stay halt the writ?

Yes. Tenant motion to stay execution, set-aside default, file appeal, or file bankruptcy can all halt the writ. Monitor the case until physical possession is restored.

EJ-130 · Sheriff lockout

From judgment to possession. The writ-to-lockout path.

Judgment in hand → request writ from clerk (EJ-130) → take to sheriff → sheriff posts 5-day notice → physical lockout. Sheriff scheduling adds 1–3 weeks in OC and LA.

TL;DR

Request EJ-130 from court clerk after judgment for possession. Pay writ fee. Take to sheriff. Sheriff posts 5-day notice at property. If tenant doesn't vacate, sheriff physically restores possession. 1–3 weeks scheduling. Belongings follow §1980 procedure.

Sheriff Lockout
Abandoned Property

Common questions — writ

How to get writ?

EJ-130 from clerk after judgment.

What does sheriff do?

5-day notice, then physical lockout.

Scheduling time?

1–3 weeks in OC/LA.

Belongings?

§1980 procedure after lockout.

Can writ be stayed?

Yes — set-aside motion, appeal, bankruptcy.