California Filing Guides · Eviction Process

Unlawful Detainer in California

The residential eviction court process, from a landlord’s notice to a court decision. Different papers and deadlines apply to landlords and tenants.

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As of October 2026 · Official court sources below.

Not legal advice. This guide explains forms and procedures; it does not tell you what to put in your case or calculate your legal deadline.

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A court case to recover possession

California Courts calls a residential eviction case an unlawful detainer. Its official guide separates a landlord’s notice from the later court case. A landlord cannot force a tenant out by changing locks, shutting off utilities or removing belongings; the judicial and sheriff’s processes have separate roles.

Opening papers are a packet

The official landlord instructions identify SUM-130, UD-100 and CM-010 among the opening forms. Supporting papers and local requirements depend on the case. The notice and its delivery are earlier steps. Choosing a notice, an eviction ground or an allegation requires legal judgment; this page does not make those choices.

A tenant’s response has its own deadline

The court’s tenant guide identifies UD-105 as the usual Answer. It says a tenant personally served with the summons and complaint has 10 court days to respond. Other service methods change the calculation, so read the official instructions for the actual method. Do not use SUM-100’s ordinary civil response warning for an eviction.

Filing is separate from service and the decision

The court papers must be served under the applicable rules. A response can lead to a trial; without a response, the landlord may seek default. If the landlord wins possession, additional court and sheriff’s steps follow. Neither an accepted complaint nor a document check authorizes a landlord to remove a tenant.

Use current official forms rather than an old saved packet.
Check the local court’s eviction instructions and additional forms.
Get legal or self-help assistance promptly if the notice or response deadline is uncertain.

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Questions

Common questions

Is a landlord’s notice the same as a summons?

No. The landlord’s notice precedes the court case. The summons and complaint are court papers used after the case is started.

Is the response period always 10 calendar days?

No. The official guide uses court days for personal service and explains different calculations for other methods. Identify the service method before counting.

Can Legal Hub Group select an eviction ground or defense?

No. Legal Hub Group provides filing and service assistance, not legal representation. A lawyer or court self-help center can explain legal options.

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Not legal advice. This page explains public filing information. It does not tell you what to put in your own case. Legal Hub Group is a certified e-filing service provider for California courts, not a law firm.

Information checked as of October 2026. Rules, form revisions and provider prices can change. The court decides whether to accept a filing.