Evictions
Unlawful Detainers
Evictions Self-Help
Evictions self-help is designed to provide information and forms for people who are representing themselves in court. The information on this website is intended to help guide you through the court system.
This California Courts Self Help Guide for Evictions offers information for:
- Landlords: Starting an eviction case (an unlawful detainer court case)
- Tenants: Understanding your options if you get a Notice to Quit or Summons and Complaint
The information is only for evictions from a home or apartment. Talk to a lawyer for help with commercial (business) evictions.
California Courts: Self-Help Guide for Evictions
Additional procedural and local information is available below.
Landlord - Process & Forms
Use these steps to navigate the eviction process. Click on each step to expand and access forms, guides and resources.
Before filing a case, you must give the tenant written notice.
| Forms & Resources |
| Types of eviction notices (California Courts website) |
This video was created by Riverside Self Help Legal services to explain the eviction process for Landlords.
The video will discuss to following topics:
- A brief introduction to evictions,
- The types of notices currently available
- Referrals for additional information.
After giving notice and waiting until the notice period expires, you must file the complaint with the court.
After filing, you must properly serve each tenant.
| Forms | Resources |
| POS-010 Proof of Service of Summons Form (external site) | Information about Service (California Courts website) |
If the defendant did not file an answer, ask the judge for a default judgment.
| Forms | Resources |
| Default Judgment - Unlawful Detainer Form | Ask for a Default Judgment (external site) |
If the defendant files an answer and is still in the property, you can ask the judge to enter judgment by scheduling a trial.
| Forms | Resources |
| UD-150 Request/Counter-Request To Set Case For Trial Form (external site) | Ask for a Trial (external site) |
Tenant - Process & Forms
Use these steps to navigate the eviction process. Click on each step to expand and access forms, guides and resources
In most situations, your landlord must serve you with a notice prior to filing an eviction.
| Resources |
| Types of eviction notices (Landlords) (California Courts website) |
Once you are served with the summons and complaint, you can explore your options for proceeding.
| Resources |
You must act quickly. You have 10 days (not including Saturdays, Sundays and other judicial holidays) to file an Answer form or other legal forms after you're handed (served) the Summons and Complaint forms.
After you file your Answer form, your landlord can ask the court to set a trial date by filing a Request to Set Case for Trial – Unlawful Detainer (Form UD-150). Once you receive your court date, begin preparing for trial right away.
| Resources |
|
Riverside County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service (external site) |
Additional Resources
Click the button below to use California Courts Self-Help Guide to help you navigate your eviction case, including step-by-step guides for following procedures and help with understanding your options.
California Courts Self-Help Guide
| Program | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Inland Counties Legal Services | Local Legal Aid |
Tenant / Landlord Assistance Program (TLAP) (external site)
|
| Riverside Legal Aid | Local Legal Aid | Riverside Legal Aid | Free Legal Assistance in Riverside County California (external site) |
| United Lift | Rental Assistance | United Lift - Rent & Utility Assistance for Riverside County (external site) |
| Housing is Key | Rental Assistance/Mortgage Relief Program | Housing Is Key (external site) |
| Fair Housing Council of Riverside County | Research/Information | Home - Fair Housing Council of Riverside County (external site) |
| Law Library | Research/Information | Home - Riverside County Law Library (external site) |
| 2.1.1. | Resource List | Call 211 for Essential Community Services | United Way 211 (external site) |
| BAR Association - Lawyer Referral Service | Resource List | Lawyer Referral Service of the Riverside County Bar Association (external site) |
| Housing Authority - Homelessness Prevention Program | Resource List | Homeless Programs (external site) |
Self-Help Legal Services
Self-Help Legal Services provide general assistance to people who do not have an attorney. Click on the button below to learn more.
Self-Help Legal Services