Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

No. You may do it 1) when the sheriff goes to the premises to evict the tenants after you file an unlawful detainer lawsuit, there is a trial, and the court enters judgment for possession, or 2) if the tenants give you notice that they have vacated the premises. Otherwise, you could face consequences for self-help. Also, if the tenants have been at the premises for more than one year, you might be required to give a 60-day notice, assuming the property is not under rent control. You should speak with an attorney because there are a lot of complicated steps involved.

Mr. Cohen is exactly 100% correct.