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Eviction / Unlawful Detainer: Tenants

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What Can I Do?

San Diego Superior Court holds Unlawful Detainer hearings virtually or in person depending on your case. This information page goes into detail about how to appear, what technology they use, how to submit evidence, and more.

The San Diego Superior Court has a great information page for landlord-tenant issues. You will find all the forms you need for your unlawful detainer action on the court's website here.

If you are a tenant being sued in Unlawful Detainer court, start by reading the information provided here. It tells you what to file, and the deadlines involved. There are very short deadlines in Unlawful Detainer cases, and the consequences of missing a deadline are significant. The San Diego County Superior Court has also created a packet for tenants answering an unlawful detainer action, which can be found here

Look at the Resources page of this Guide for online materials, and hard copy materials that will assist you.

Legal Aid Organizations and Assistance

Legal clinics, and other resources referred to here, will allow you to discuss your case with someone, in which you will be given information about how to handle your case. 


The Legal Aid Society of San Diego runs an Unlawful Detainer Clinic in Downtown San Diego. LASSD also provides help to eligible persons regarding Public Housing, Housing Discrimination, and various other housing issues. Contact them for more information and to see if you qualify. 

You can submit questions to Legal Aid with this form or you can call them at 1-866-244-0101.


The San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program provides legal information to litigants in unlawful detainer cases.

Call (619) 235-5656 ext. 127 to apply for services.

The Unlawful Detainer Clinic is held in North County and provides help with various landlord-tenant disputes and evictions. 


The Community Law Project (CLP) is a collaboration between California Western School of Law, and several other organizations. CLP provides legal advice and referrals to low-income and indigent members of the local San Diego community. One of the many areas of law CLP covers includes Housing Law. CLP's clinics are held at four different locations throughout San Diego County. Visit CLP's website for more information. 


If you think that you may be able to reach an agreement with the other party, the National Conflict Resolution Center may be able to offer free mediation to resolve the dispute without going to court. For more information, call (619) 238-2400. 


Hello Landlord is a free letter-writing tool to help you communicate with your landlord.


Housing is Key California State Website includes rental assistance, eviction protections, and a mortgage relief program.


Lawyer Referral Service – North County Bar Association

Lawyer Referral Service – San Diego County Bar Association


California Apartment Association has resources for tenants.