San Diego County, California

San Diego County Eviction Defense Resources for Tenants

Jurisdiction: San Diego County, California · Published August 5, 2026 · Tenant Eviction Defense, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

Call for Assistance: (657) 510-6534

San Diego County is home to more than three million residents and has one of the most active rental housing markets in California. If you are a tenant facing eviction in San Diego County, it is critical that you understand your rights and act quickly — the deadline to respond to an Unlawful Detainer Summons is among the shortest in the state. If you have been served, call Tenant Eviction Defense immediately at (657) 510-6534.

Where Are Eviction Cases Filed and Heard in San Diego County?

All unlawful detainer cases in San Diego County are filed in the Civil Business Office at the Hall of Justice, Central Division:

Filing and hearing location

Hall of Justice — Central Division

330 West Broadway, Room 225
San Diego, CA 92101
Courtroom Department 201, 2nd floor
Phone (619) 450-7276 — Civil Business Office
Phone hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Courtroom relocation

Effective November 3, 2025, the unlawful detainer courtroom was relocated from the 5th floor, Department 501, to the 2nd floor, Department 201, where most unlawful detainer hearings and trials are now held.

Civil Business Office phone: (619) 450-7276, answered Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

More information about unlawful detainer cases in San Diego County is available in the Tenant Frequently Asked Questions section of the San Diego County Courts website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which courthouse handles evictions in San Diego County?

All unlawful detainer cases countywide are filed at the Hall of Justice, Central Division, in downtown San Diego, and most hearings and trials are held in Department 201 on the 2nd floor.

How long do I have to respond to an eviction summons in San Diego?

The response deadline is among the shortest in California. Do not wait — call (657) 510-6534 as soon as you are served.

When can I reach the Civil Business Office by phone?

Phones are answered Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at (619) 450-7276.

Serving Tenants Throughout San Diego County

Tenant Eviction Defense serves tenants throughout San Diego County including:

Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, National City, Oceanside, Poway, San Diego, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach, Vista, Agua Caliente, Alpine, Bankhead Springs, Banner, Barrett Junction, Bear Valley, Blossom Valley, Bonita, Bonsall, Borrego Springs, Bostonia, Boulder Oaks, Boulevard, Buckman Springs, Calavo Gardens, Cameron Corners, Campo, Canyon City, Casa de Oro-Mount Helix, Crest, Cuyamaca, De Luz, Dehesa, Del Dios, Descanso, Desert Lodge, Dulzura, East Otay Mesa, Eucalyptus Hills, Elfin Forest, Fairbanks Ranch, Fallbrook, Flinn Springs, Guatay, Harbison Canyon, Harmony Grove, Hidden Meadows, Jacumba Hot Springs, Jamul, Julian, La Presa, Lake Henshaw, Lakeside, Lincoln Acres, Live Oak Springs, Manzanita, Morena Village, Oak Grove, Ocotillo Wells, Pala, Pala Mesa, Palomar Mountain, Pauma Valley, Pine Hills, Pine Valley, Potrero, Rainbow, Ramona, Ranchita, Rancho San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, Rincon, San Felipe, Santa Ysabel, Shelter Valley, Spring Valley, Sunnyside, Sunshine Summit, Tecate, Tierra Del Sol, Twin Oaks, Vallecito, Valley Center, Warner Springs, Wynola, and 4S Ranch.

If you have received an Unlawful Detainer Summons, our staff is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to discuss your situation and help you understand your rights and options.

Published August 5, 2026.

Before you file your response

How Long Do I Have to Respond?

Your deadline depends on how you were served.

How Do I Respond to My Unlawful Detainer Summons?

Filing mechanics, fee waivers, and which pleading to choose.

How to Stop an Eviction After Receiving a Summons

Six lawful options to stop, delay, or defeat the eviction.

What Affirmative Defenses Can a Tenant Raise?

Twenty-one defenses available under California law.

Recent Changes to California Eviction Law

AB 2347 response deadlines and the 2026 statutes, explained.

Eviction Defense Resources by County

Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego.

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.

Eviction Defense & Tenant’s Rights Rapid Response Phone Line

(657) 510-6534