Interpretation of this agreement to arbitrate shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act.(2) EXCLUSIONS FROM MEDIATION AND ARBITRATION: The following matters are excluded from mediation and arbitration: (i) a judicial or non-judicial foreclosure or other action or proceeding to enforce a deed of trust, mortgage or installment land sale contract as defined in California Civil Code §2985; (ii) an unlawful detainer action; (iii) the filing or enforcement of a mechanic’s lien; and (iv) any matter that is within the jurisdiction of a probate, small claims or bankruptcy court.

I handled the legal proceedings myself (sort of) so it didn't cost me anything except my time.In my situation the PO knew that the house was going to foreclosure auction and tried to bring federal legal action against the bank (mortgage co) citing unlawful foreclosure in order to stop or reverse it. 

The paperwork shouldn't be too difficult and the process goes like this in Virginia:1) Post a 5-day pay or quit notice on the door (can find examples of what this should look like online)2) After 5 days, if they have not moved out or paid, go to general district court and fill out the eviction form (Unlawful Detainer), pay the fee, and get a court date3) Show up to court and explain what had happened4) If the judge is nice he will give you immediate possession5) Possession is not immediately yours until the sheriff shows up!

Is it possible to represent and file the unlawful detainer yourself? 

CA Business and Professions Code Sections 10130 and 10131 absolutely DO NOT prohibit you from assigning contracts (or doing a SLO)...Code Section 10130 says that it is unlawful to act as a broker without a license...Section 10131 sets out the functions of a broker...Neither code section mentions the word 'assignment,' nor does it describe the action of assigning a contract.It is absolutely legal for you to assign your rights to any contract TO WHICH YOU ARE A PARTY unless that contract specifically prohibits assignment.

Unlawfully trespass and occupy the property3.

Here is an excerpt from our rental criteria: " Evictionor unlawful detainer action which has been resolved with full restitution maybe approved with additional security deposit. 

This information is available free of charge on the internet at the following sites:Sex Offenders: www.txdps.state.tx.usSan Antonio Area Crime Stats:http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/tx/san-antonio/crime/REASONS FOR DENIAL OF APPLICATIONSIf you failed to give proper notice when vacating a property.If previous landlord(s) would be unwilling to rent to you again for reasons pertaining to your behavior or that of any family member, guest (welcome or not), your pets, or any animal on the property during your tenancy.If you have had three or more late payments of rent within the last 12 months.If you have an unpaid collection filed against you by a Property Management Company.If an unlawful detainer action or eviction has occurred within the past five (5) years.If you have recently received 3-day notice to vacate.If you have had two (2) or more NSF checks within the last 12 monthsIf you have filed for bankruptcy or foreclosure within the past 24 months we may deny your application.Any bankruptcy must have been discharged at least one year previous to the date of your application.If you have allowed any person(s), not on the lease, to reside on the premises.If we are unable to verify your information, we must deny the application.No Businesses may be operated from the property.

I could go straight to getting an unlawful detainer if they were there passed the expiration of the fixed-term lease.  

It's just the fact that you filed an unlawful detainer or whatever it's called in WA, that will show up forever.