Unlawful Detainer
About Unlawful Detainer
IMPORTANT: As of 10/1/2025, a landlord can no longer sue in Small Claims court for unpaid COVID-19 rental debt above $12,500. COVID-19 rental debt means unpaid rent and other costs incurred before Sept. 30, 2021, due to COVID-19.
An Unlawful Detainer action is a special court proceeding to evict a tenant from a business or residence.
- Landlord/Tenant Self-Help
- Unlawful Detainer Case Access (Civil Case Access)
- Unlawful Detainer Local Rule 356
- Unlawful Detainer Local Forms
- Court Designation List
- eFiling
- Civil Calendar Information
- General Information
Helpful Resources
Access information about evictions, foreclosures, and security deposits. Find instructions, forms, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Eviction & Housing
Evictions (Unlawful Detainer)
Learn about the eviction process with a guide for landlords, a guide for tenants, detailed instructions, forms, and resources.
Foreclosure
Find information and resources regarding the foreclosure process.
Security Deposits
Learn about security deposits, what are valid legal reasons for a landlord to keep all or part of a security deposit, and how to go to court to ask for the return of a security deposit.
Eviction cases in California
This guide includes information about:
- 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.