We're a tenant and just received a 3-day notice. Is that real?

Yes — treat it as urgent. Commercial notice periods are short, and an unlawful detainer can follow immediately. Get the notice and the lease in front of counsel the day you receive it.

I'm a landlord — can I just lock the tenant out?

Self-help lockouts are dangerous territory in California even in commercial settings, and getting it wrong can convert your strong default case into the tenant's damages case. Use the legal process.

Our lease requires arbitration. Is that good or bad for us?

It depends on your position. Arbitration is typically faster and private — often attractive when reputation or confidential business terms are involved — but appellate review is very limited. It is a strategic question, not a formality.

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Commercial Real Estate Disputes

Commercial Lease Disputes in California: A Guide for Landlords and Tenants

Defaults, personal guaranties, CAM disputes, early exits, and commercial evictions — how high-stakes California lease disputes actually get resolved, on both sides.

California commercial landlord and tenant reviewing a lease dispute with litigation counsel

Category: Commercial Real Estate DisputesDracup & Patterson

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California disputes only

The State Bar of California · California Courts Self-Help · JAMS Mediation & Arbitration