HB 740

Abstract

Unlawful detainer; bifurcation of case; contested rent and damages. Provides that, at an initial hearing on an unlawful detainer, if the defendant contests the amount of rent and damages alleged to be due and owing to the plaintiff, the court shall not bifurcate the unlawful detainer case. Under current law, at the initial hearing, upon request of the plaintiff, the court is required to bifurcate the unlawful detainer case and set a continuance date no later than 120 days from the date of the initial hearing to determine final rent and damages.

Unlawful detainer; bifurcation of case; nonpaymentof rent. Provides that, except in actions brought solely forthe nonpayment of rent, a plaintiff in an unlawful detainer casemay receive a final, appealable judgment for possession of a propertyunlawfully entered or unlawfully detained and be issued an orderof possession at an initial hearing on a summons for unlawful detainer,upon evidence presented by the plaintiff to the court.