Eviction Defense Resources by County
The unlawful detainer process varies by county — each has its own courthouse locations, filing procedures, and local rules that affect how your case proceeds. Select your county below for county-specific guidance.
County Specific Unlawful Detainer (Eviction) Information
If you are a tenant facing eviction in Southern California, the information on this page is specifically for you. Tenant Eviction Defense serves tenants throughout Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and San Diego County. Each county maintains its own courthouse locations, case-lookup procedures, and — in many cities — its own local tenant protections beyond California's statewide Tenant Protection Act.
Select your county below for detailed, county-specific information about the unlawful detainer process, courthouse locations, and the resources available to tenants facing eviction in that jurisdiction.
Orange County
All Orange County unlawful detainer cases are heard at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana. Orange County is home to some of the county's strongest local tenant protections, including Santa Ana's rent control and just cause eviction ordinance and the just cause ordinances of Costa Mesa and Buena Park.
View Orange County resources →Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County has the highest volume of eviction filings in California, with unlawful detainer cases assigned to nine courthouses by zip code. Find your courthouse and understand the county's extensive tenant protections, including the Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance.
View Los Angeles County resources →Riverside County
Riverside County eviction cases are filed at the courthouse nearest the rental property, with six locations from Corona to Blythe. Find your courthouse, Civil Division Call Center hours, and the state and local tenant protections that may apply to your tenancy.
View Riverside County resources →San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County — the largest county by area in the contiguous United States — hears eviction cases at four courthouses, from the San Bernardino Justice Center to the High Desert. Learn which courthouse and department will handle your case and how AB 1482 may protect you.
View San Bernardino County resources →San Diego County
All San Diego County unlawful detainer cases are filed at the Hall of Justice, Central Division, in downtown San Diego. Learn where hearings are held, how to reach the Civil Business Office, and why acting quickly is especially important in San Diego.
View San Diego County resources →If You Have Received a Summons, Act Immediately
If you have received an Unlawful Detainer Summons in any of these counties, call our office immediately at (657) 510-6534. Our staff is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., to discuss your situation and help you understand your rights and options.
California tenants generally have as little as 10 court days to respond to an Unlawful Detainer Summons. Missing this deadline can result in a default judgment and a Sheriff's Lockout.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first if I am served with an Unlawful Detainer Summons?
Act immediately. The deadline to respond is among the shortest of any civil case in California, and failing to respond can result in a default judgment and lockout. Call (657) 510-6534 the day you are served.
Does it matter which county my eviction was filed in?
Yes. Courthouse locations, department assignments, case-lookup procedures, and local tenant protections all differ by county — and sometimes by city. Select your county above for the specific procedures that govern your case.
Do local rent control or just cause ordinances apply to me?
Possibly. Beyond California's statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), cities such as Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, Buena Park, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Inglewood, and Pasadena have enacted their own ordinances. Call our office to find out which protections apply to your tenancy.
How long do I have to respond to an Unlawful Detainer Summons in California?
California tenants generally have 10 court days to file a written response after being served, under Code of Civil Procedure section 1167 as amended by Assembly Bill 2347 (effective January 1, 2025). Court days exclude weekends and court holidays.
Eviction Defense & Tenant's Rights Rapid Response Phone Number
(657) 510-6534Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. All calls are confidential.