Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

If you don't pay within the three days, the landlord probably will file an unlawful detainer (eviction) lawsuit. If you don't answer the lawsuit within 5 days after it is served upon you, then the landlord will take your default, obtain a judgment, and have the sheriff escort you out of the premises. You will receive written notice of the date that will happen.

If you answer, then a trial would be scheduled within a couple of weeks. That will give you time to negotiate with the landlord for a firm move-out date. Sometimes the landlords are even willing to dismiss the lawsuit or set aside a judgment to make it easier for the former tenant to find a new place.