Legal Intelligence Center

California Tenant Eviction Response Assessment

Designed for California residential tenants who received a landlord notice, eviction Summons and Complaint, default papers, judgment, writ, or sheriff notice.

California law reviewed August 10, 2026. A tenant generally has 10 court days after personal service of the Summons and Complaint to respond. Substituted service, posting and mailing, Safe at Home service, default, judgment, and sheriff enforcement use different calculations and procedures.
This assessment provides educational information only, does not provide legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship.