San Bernardino County Eviction Defense Resources for Tenants
San Bernardino County is the largest county by area in the contiguous United States, encompassing a diverse range of communities from the Inland Empire to the High Desert. If you are a tenant facing eviction in San Bernardino County, it is critical that you understand your rights and the specific procedures that apply to your case.
Which San Bernardino County Courthouse Handles My Eviction Case?
There are four different courthouses in San Bernardino County that hear unlawful detainer (eviction) cases. The courthouse that will preside over your unlawful detainer (eviction) case will depend on how much money the property owner is seeking in damages and where the residence is located.
San Bernardino Justice Center
247 West Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415.The Justice Center presides over all San Bernardino County unlawful detainer cases in which the plaintiff seeks $35,000 or more in combined damages. Unlawful detainer matters are heard in the Civil Division in Departments S-17, S-22, S-23, S-24, S-25, S-27, S-28, and S-29, Monday through Friday beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Fontana District Courthouse
17780 Arrow Boulevard, Fontana, CA 92335.Departments F6, F7, and F8 hear unlawful detainer hearings and trials. The Fontana Courthouse presides over cases seeking less than $35,000 where the property is located in Fontana, Rialto, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Chino, Chino Hills, Upland, Montclair, Colton, San Bernardino, Redlands, or Yucaipa. The majority of eviction cases in San Bernardino County are heard at the Fontana Courthouse.
Barstow District Courthouse
235 East Mountain View Street, Barstow, CA 92311.Unlawful Detainer (eviction) hearings and trials at the Barstow Courthouse are held in Department B1. The Barstow Courthouse presides over eviction cases where the subject property is located in Barstow, Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Adelanto, Phelan, Oak Hills, and surrounding High Desert communities.
Joshua Tree District Courthouse
6527 White Feather Road, Joshua Tree, CA 92252.Unlawful Detainer (eviction) case hearings and trials are held in Departments F6, F7, and M4. The Joshua Tree District Courthouse presides over unlawful detainer hearings and trials where the property that is subject to the unlawful detainer (eviction lawsuit) is located in Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms, Yucca Valley, Landers, Pioneertown, and surrounding communities.
What Tenant Protections Apply in San Bernardino County?
California's statewide AB 1482 Tenant Protection Act applies to many rental units throughout San Bernardino County, providing just cause eviction protections and annual rent-increase limits for qualifying tenants. Call our office to discuss whether state or local tenant protections apply to your situation.
If You Have Received a Summons, Act Immediately
If you have received an Unlawful Detainer Summons in San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino
Courthouse locations and hours, civil filing information, self-help resources for landlord and tenant matters, Judicial Council forms, and the online case index are published by the Court itself.
San Bernardino 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 →Civil Division
Civil filing procedures, department assignments, and calendar information.
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
Where will my eviction case be heard in San Bernardino County?
It depends on the property's location and the amount sought. Claims of $35,000 or more go to the San Bernardino Justice Center; smaller claims go to the district courthouse serving your city.
How long do I have to respond to an eviction summons in San Bernardino County?
The deadline to respond to an unlawful detainer summons is very short. Do not wait — call (657) 510-6534 as soon as you are served.
What if I live in the High Desert?
Cases from Barstow, Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Adelanto, and nearby communities are heard at the Barstow District Courthouse; Joshua Tree-area cases are heard at the Joshua Tree District Courthouse.
Serving Tenants Throughout San Bernardino County
Tenant Eviction Defense provides eviction defense services to tenants residing in:
Tenant Eviction Defense is a nonprofit organization. This page is general legal information about California law, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney–client relationship. Courthouse assignments, department numbers, filing locations, and deadlines change. Confirm anything time-sensitive with the court named on your summons or with a licensed California attorney before you rely on it.
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.