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Getting an eviction notice in California: what to do first, deadlines, documents, and which benefits open

What to do first after an eviction notice in California: the court deadline to answer an unlawful detainer is 10 court days after personal service, and missing it lets the landlord ask for a default judgment. This page lists that deadline, where to get legal help, and the housing programs the event opens, each with its official source.

What happens when you get an eviction notice or court papers

A landlord gives a written notice, or serves court papers (a Summons and Complaint for unlawful detainer). Once court papers are served, a short court deadline starts. This page lists what to file first, the deadlines the agencies state, the documents they name, and the programs the event opens. Each deadline and each rule carries the id of the official page it was read from on 2026-10-09; a rule no official page stated reads UNKNOWN.

First actions, in order
JSONFirst actions, in order
4 items
6 keys
"order"1
"action""If court papers were served, file an Answer (form UD-105) with the court."
"program_id""B042"
"program_slug""california-legal-aid-eviction-benefits"
"deadline""10 court days after personal service; 10 calendar days plus 10 court days if served by mail."
"source""s_courts_10"
6 keys
"order"2
"action""Talk to a legal aid office or the court self-help center."
"program_id""B042"
"program_slug""california-legal-aid-eviction-benefits"
"deadline""Before the Answer deadline."
"source""s_courts_legal"
6 keys
"order"3
"action""Call or text 211 for local housing and rent help."
"program_id""B067"
"program_slug""california-211"
"deadline""No deadline."
"source""s_ca211"
6 keys
"order"4
"action""If the household gets CalWORKs, ask the county about the Housing Support Program."
"program_id""B040"
"program_slug""california-calworks-housing-support"
"deadline""No deadline stated by CDSS."
"source""s_cdss_hsp"

Deadlines that cost money or coverage when missed

ProgramDeadlineDaysCounted fromSource
B042 Legal aid: eviction defense & benefits advocacyAnswer an unlawful detainer within 10 court days of personal service. Court days do not count Saturdays, Sundays or court holidays.10the day after personal services_courts_10
B042 Legal aid: eviction defense & benefits advocacyIf the Summons and Complaint were mailed: 10 calendar days plus 10 court days.the mailing dates_courts_mail
B042 Legal aid: eviction defense & benefits advocacyAfter the deadline passes, the landlord can ask for a default judgment at any time.the Answer deadlines_courts_default

Documents to gather

  • The written notice from the landlord (B042; s_courts_notice)
  • The Summons and Complaint, and the Answer form UD-105 (B042; s_courts_ud105)

Programs this event opens

Official addresses

References (6)
Related pages
References (10)
  1. Respond to an eviction — Judicial Council of California (California Courts Self-Help Guide)“You have 10 court days to file your Answer.”
  2. CalWORKs Housing Support Program — California Department of Social Services“HSP assists families in the CalWORKs program that are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness”
  3. Respond to an eviction: served by mail — Judicial Council of California (California Courts Self-Help Guide)“You have 10 calendar days plus 10 court days after the server mailed the Summons and Complaint to you to file an Answer.”
  4. Respond to an eviction: default — Judicial Council of California (California Courts Self-Help Guide)“The landlord can ask for a default judgment at any time after your deadline passes.”
  5. Eviction: tenant — Judicial Council of California (California Courts Self-Help Guide)“Your landlord must give you a written Notice before they can ask a judge to make you move out.”
  6. Respond to an eviction: the form — Judicial Council of California (California Courts Self-Help Guide)“The main form you need is Answer”
  7. CalWORKs — California Department of Social Services“CalWORKs is a welfare program that gives cash aid and services to eligible California families in need.”
  8. Coordinated Entry System — Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority“The Los Angeles County Coordinated Entry System (CES) is the network that aligns homeless”
  9. About 211 — 211 California (United Ways of California)“211 is a free, confidential service that connects people to local resources like housing, food, health care, job training, child care, and senior services.”