How to issue "Notice to Pay or Quit" and how to start eviction in San Diego CA

[Nazz Wang]

Hi BP Community,

Stupid question: How do I step-by-step issue the "Notice to Pay or Quit" and how do I start the eviction process if tenants are late on rent?

I have been a landlord in San Diego CA for almost 5 years and had never had a problem with late rent (I guess I got lucky there for a while) until my last tenants. This is a 3 roommate situation in a condo. They decided to not pay rent for the last month after I told them I am not extending the lease. They had already had water and drywall damage from negligence and the bill will take about 80% of their deposit (1 month rent). I just pulled teeth to get as much rent as I could out of them and still came up $600 short at the end. I sent them a bill anyway but yeah right, like they are ever going to pay it.

Does anyone have any advice on what I could have done better in this situation? I also want to know how to actually issue the notice and how to start an eviction once tenants are late on rent. Do I go to a real estate agent? Do I go to a lawyer? What are your normal processes for late rent?

Any advice is appreciated!

Nazz