EJA Associates v. Ali CA2/7

INTRODUCTION

Muhammad and Shaila Ali appeal from the trial court’s order denying their motion to vacate and set aside a default judgment EJA Associates L.P., their former commercial landlord, obtained against them. The Alis argue the trial court erred in denying their motion because the default judgment is void. We affirm.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

A. The Alis Breach a Commercial Lease In April 2016 the Alis signed a five-year lease with EJA to rent commercial space for their business, Sunsations International, at 1331 Third Street Promenade, in Santa Monica. The monthly base rent was $25,000. The Alis also owned Sunsations stores at 1407 Third Street Promenade and 395 Santa Monica Place. The Alis stopped paying rent for 1331 Third Street Promenade in April 2020 and vacated the premises in November 2020. In August 2021 EJA sued the Alis for breach of the lease. EJA attached to the complaint a copy of the lease, as well as personal guaranties signed by Muhammad and Shaila, and alleged the Alis owed $338,000. EJA submitted proofs of service stating that on September 1, 2021 a registered process server served both Alis by substitute service at 1407 Third Street…