How long can I wait to file default judgement: unlawful detainer?

[Steve VanKast]

How long can I postpone filing for a default judgement after the 5 days on an unlawful detainer complaint in California?

I just got through evicting the tenants from hell and I may have jumped the gun before acting upon my suspicions that my new tenants have been dealing drugs and would like to give them a little more time. I feel awful about my indecisiveness.

First I wait too long on my old tenants; then I react 2 days after the new people move in handing them a 3 day notice without being sure. I had someone serve the complaint last night, do not have proof of drugs. Hell I'm beginning to think I may have been wrong about them. I am officially evicting them on other unrelated technicalities that I really don't care about.

Yeah I know. I suck at being a landlord and I'm really jealous of you guys that can handle it!