What is the court action used to evict a tenant who is in default?

The correct answer is the unlawful detainer action. This term refers specifically to a legal process initiated by a landlord to regain possession of rental property from a tenant who has not complied with the terms of the lease, typically due to failure to pay rent. An unlawful detainer action allows the landlord to legally challenge the tenant's occupation of the property in court.

The process involves the landlord filing a complaint and obtaining a judgment in their favor, which ultimately leads to the eviction of the tenant if they do not remedy the situation or vacate the property. This legal action is essential because it protects the rights of both parties by ensuring the eviction process follows the law, rather than the landlord taking matters into their own hands.

Understanding this process is critical for landlords to properly manage their properties and enforce tenancy agreements legally and effectively, ensuring compliance with state laws.