Los Angeles County Eviction Defense Resources for Tenants
Los Angeles County has the highest volume of unlawful detainer (eviction) filings in California. If you are a tenant facing eviction in Los Angeles County, it is essential that you act quickly and understand the specific procedures and tenant protections that apply to your case.
Which LA County Courthouse Handles My Eviction Case?
Unlawful detainer cases in Los Angeles County are assigned by the zip code where the rental property is located. You may determine which courthouse presides over your zip code by referring to the Court's zip code chart. The courthouses handling unlawful detainer cases are:
All courthouses listed above are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
How Do I Look Up My Eviction Case in Los Angeles County?
Unlike Orange County, the Los Angeles County courts do not provide online access to unlawful detainer cases until 60 days after filing. To gather information about your case during that period, you must either call the court's Civil Division Call Center or visit the courthouse in person.
To speak with a court clerk by telephone, call the Los Angeles County Courts Civil Division Call Center at (213) 633-6333 and follow the prompts. The clerk will require three items before discussing the case: the names of the plaintiff and defendant, the address of the property subject to the case, and the case number. These appear on the Notice of Unlawful Detainer that the Court mails to you within two or three days after the plaintiff files, and on the first page of the Unlawful Detainer Complaint (Form UD-100).
If you believe an unlawful detainer may have been filed against you but you have received neither a mailed Notice of Unlawful Detainer nor service of a Summons, consider visiting the courthouse that presides over your zip code. If you provide your name and address in person, the clerk will search the database, discuss the case with you, and release a copy of the Summons and Complaint without requiring a case number.
What Tenant Protections Apply in Los Angeles County?
Los Angeles County and many of its cities have some of the strongest tenant protection ordinances in California. The City of Los Angeles has its own Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) providing significant protections for tenants in rent-controlled units. The County has a just cause eviction ordinance applying to unincorporated areas. Additional local ordinances exist in Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Inglewood, Pasadena, and other cities. These protections may significantly affect your rights and your landlord's ability to evict you — call our office to find out which apply to you.
If You Have Received a Summons, Act Immediately
If you have received an Unlawful Detainer Summons in Los Angeles County, 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.
Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles
Courthouse locations and hours, the unlawful detainer zip code table, self-help resources for landlord and tenant matters, and civil filing information are published by the Court itself.
Los Angeles County Superior Court
The Court's official home page — locations, hours, filing information, and public notices.
Visit the Court website →Self-Help: Landlord & Tenant
The Court's self-help resources for tenants and landlords in unlawful detainer matters.
Visit the Court website →Unlawful Detainer Zip Code Table
Determine which courthouse presides over the zip code where your rental property is located.
Visit the Court website →Before You File Your Response
These guides explain the deadlines, the filing mechanics, and the defenses available to California tenants in an unlawful detainer proceeding.
How Long Do I Have to Respond?
Your deadline depends entirely on how the Summons was served — personally, by substituted service, by posting, or by mail. Each starts the clock differently.
Read the guide →How Do I Respond?
The Court will accept an Answer, a Motion to Quash, a Motion to Strike, or a Motion for Demurrer. Each carries a filing fee that may be waived.
Read the guide →How to Stop an Eviction
Six lawful options are available after a Summons is served, from challenging improper service to negotiating a stipulation.
Read the guide →Affirmative Defenses
Twenty-one defenses are available to California tenants. A defective notice, a habitability failure, or a retaliatory motive may defeat the eviction entirely.
Read the guide →Recent Changes to the Law
AB 2347 response deadlines, the 2026 habitability and deposit statutes, and the SPARE Act service-of-process reforms.
Read the guide →All County Resources
Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego county guidance in one place.
Read the guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I look up my LA County eviction case online?
Not during the first 60 days after filing. You must call (213) 633-6333 or visit the courthouse serving your zip code.
How do I find out whether an eviction was filed against me?
Visit the courthouse for your zip code in person with your name and address; the clerk can locate the case and give you copies of the Summons and Complaint.
Does rent control protect me from eviction in Los Angeles?
If your unit is covered by the City's RSO or another local ordinance, your landlord may need just cause and may owe relocation assistance. Coverage depends on your city and building.
Serving Tenants Throughout Los Angeles County
Tenant Eviction Defense proudly serves tenants throughout Los Angeles County, including:
Published August 5, 2026.
Eviction Defense & Tenant's Rights
Rapid Response Phone Number
(657) 510-6534
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. All calls are confidential.