Unlawful Detainer
State law protects some tenants from eviction for unpaid rent due from March 1, 2020 to March 31, 2022. Get more information about who qualifies for these eviction protections.
An Unlawful Detainer case, or Eviction case, is a civil lawsuit that a landlord files in court to evict a tenant and/or obtain an order to pay rent due. If the judge agrees with the landlord, the landlord can ask the sheriff to physically remove the tenant from the rental unit. If not, the tenant can stay in the property.
Filing Fees
In most civil cases, you will have to pay a fee to file papers with the court. Filing fees are set by the Statewide Civil Fee Schedule. If you can’t afford the filing fee(s), you can ask the court for a “fee waiver” in order to file for free.
Self-Help Resources
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CA Courts Self-Help Center
A guide from the Judicial Council about Covid-19 eviction protections, Starting an eviction case as a Landlord, or Understanding your options as a Tenant. The information is only for evictions from a home or apartment. Talk to a lawyer for help with commercial (business) evictions.
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Housing is Key
Housing is Key is the central hub of information for tenants, landlords, and homeowners on the new California Department of Real Estate site.
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Alpine Self-Help Services
Alpine County's Self-Help Services cannot give legal advice, but they can assist in completing forms and provide information about basic legal processes.