About Tenant Eviction Defense
Tenant Eviction Defense is an IRS 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt Nonprofit Public Charity Organization incorporated in the State of California. Our Federal Employer Identification Number is 41-3105953.
We were founded with a single purpose — to ensure that California renters facing eviction have access to the information, resources, and guidance they need to understand their rights and navigate the eviction process. Every year tens of thousands of California tenants lose their homes not because they had no defense, but because they did not know their rights, did not understand the process, or did not know where to turn for help. Tenant Eviction Defense exists to change that.
Our organization is led by Executive Director Garrett Saunders, whose commitment to tenant advocacy and access to justice inspired the founding of Tenant Eviction Defense. Our staff is dedicated to serving the Southern California tenant community with professionalism, compassion, and urgency.
We serve tenants throughout Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and San Diego County. Our office is located at 610 Newport Center Drive, Suite 250, Newport Beach, CA 92660. We are available by phone Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at: (657) 510-6534.
Our MIssion
The mission of Tenant Eviction Defense is to provide education and legal resources to tenants who are facing eviction and seeking to remain in their homes.
We believe that access to clear, accurate information about the eviction process should not be a privilege reserved for those who can afford an attorney. The California eviction process is complex, time sensitive, and often overwhelming for tenants who are navigating it for the first time. A tenant who does not understand their rights, or who misses a critical deadline, may lose their home unnecessarily.
Tenant Eviction Defense bridges this gap. We provide high quality, actionable information about California landlord tenant law and the unlawful detainer process. We direct tenants to the judicial council forms and legal resources they need. We answer questions, explain procedures, and help tenants understand their options — so that every California renter has a fair opportunity to assert their rights.
An informed tenant is an empowered tenant. That is the foundation of everything we do.
The Eviction Crisis in California
California is in the midst of a housing affordability and eviction crisis that affects hundreds of thousands of renters every year. Rising rents, economic instability, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have left many California tenants in financially precarious situations, struggling to maintain stable housing for themselves and their families.
When a landlord files an Unlawful Detainer lawsuit, the tenant is thrust into a complex legal process with extremely short deadlines and serious consequences. A tenant who fails to respond to an Unlawful Detainer Summons within their deadline — which can be as little as 5 business days — faces a default judgment for eviction being entered against them. This judgment can appear on their credit report, make it extremely difficult to rent another home, and result in the Sheriff's Department physically removing them from their residence.
The consequences of eviction extend far beyond losing a home. Families are displaced, children are forced to change schools, and individuals are pushed closer to homelessness. For many tenants, the difference between losing their home and having the opportunity to defend themselves comes down to one thing — knowing their rights and understanding what steps to take.
Tenant Eviction Defense is committed to ensuring that every Southern California tenant facing eviction has access to the information and resources they need to protect themselves and their families.
How We Help California Tenants
Tenant Eviction Defense provides the following services to tenants throughout Southern California who are seeking assistance with their eviction matter:
Educational Publications and Community Outreach We publish and disseminate informational materials related to California landlord tenant law and the unlawful detainer process. Our Tenants Rights Library contains comprehensive articles covering every stage of the eviction process — from the initial notice through trial. We also conduct Landlord Tenant Law and Eviction Procedure Group Workshops via Zoom for tenants who want to better understand their rights and options.
Procedural Guidance We help tenants understand the steps involved in responding to an unlawful detainer lawsuit, the deadlines they must meet, and the judicial council forms required by the court in their county. Understanding procedure is critical — a tenant who knows what steps to take and when to take them is in a far stronger position than one who does not.
Document Navigation We help tenants identify the specific legal forms required to respond to court filings in their county. We direct tenants to the appropriate judicial council forms and explain how those forms are used in the unlawful detainer process.
Personalized Telephone Support Tenants facing eviction are encouraged to call our Eviction Defense Rapid Response Line at (657) 510-6534 Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to discuss their matter with a staff member. All calls are confidential and there is no obligation.
In Person Appointments Tenants who prefer to meet in person are welcome to schedule an appointment at our Newport Beach office located at 610 Newport Center Drive Suite 250, Newport Beach, CA 92660. All in person appointments are by appointment only.
Contact Us
We encourage all California tenants facing eviction to reach out to our office as soon as possible. Time is critical in eviction proceedings and our staff is ready to help.
Tenant Eviction Defense 610 Newport Center Drive, Suite 250 Newport Beach, CA 92660
Telephone: (657) 510-6534
Facsimile: (877) 829-5500
Email: director@tenantevictiondefense.org
Website: www.tenantevictiondefense.org
Office Hours: Monday through Friday — 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
*All in person appointments are by appointment only.*
Nonprofit Information:
Tenant Eviction Defense is an IRS 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt Nonprofit Public Charity Organization incorporated in the State of California.
Federal Employer Identification Number: 41-3105953
Click here to view our IRS Tax Exempt Status Determination Letter.
Tenant Eviction Defense is proud to have received the Candid Gold Seal of Transparency for 2026.
To view our profile information on the Candid website please select the Candid Gold Transparency Seal below
