Eviction Defenses | California Courts (2024)

Table of Contents
FAQs

If you think your landlord is evicting you because you reported a code violation, other health and safety issue, or to get back at you for some other reason, you may be able to use this as a defense. Examples of other reasons aregiving your landlord notice that you think your home hasbed bugs, or you've complainedto them about other serious problems with your home.

  • On theAnswer- Unlawful Detainer-Eviction (form UD-105), check box 3f
  • On theAttachment (formMC-025), write UD-105, item 3tthen explain what you reported, when you reported it or did the lawful act, and why you think that's the reason your landlord's trying to evict you.

Research this defense more:

SeeCivil Code section 1942.5(a)

If you think your landlord wants to evict you because you or someone else called the police or for emergency help, like an ambulance, because you or the other person thought you needed to call for emergency help to keep someone safe, you may be able to use this as a defense.

  • On theAnswer- Unlawful Detainer-Eviction (form UD-105), check box 3l
  • On theAttachment (formMC-025), write UD-105, item 3tthen explain why you called emergency services, when you reported it, and why you think that's the reason your landlord's trying to evict you..

Research this defense more:

SeeCivil Code section 1946.8

If you think your landlord is evicting because of your race, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, number of children, job, physical or mental disability, or because you are receiving public assistance, you may be able to use this as a defense.

  • On theAnswer- Unlawful Detainer-Eviction (form UD-105), check box 3g
  • On theAttachment (formMC-025), write UD-105, item 3tthen explain why you think the landlord is discriminating against you, for example, other things they might have done that are discriminatory.

Research this defense more:

See theUnruh Act

See theCalifornia Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)

See theAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

If you think your landlord wants to evict youbecause you have a disability, you'reasking for a reasonable accommodation because of it, and your landlord doesn't want to accommodateyou, you may be able to use this as a defense.

  • On theAnswer- Unlawful Detainer-Eviction (form UD-105),check box 3r
  • On theAttachment (formMC-025),write UD-105, item 3tand describe the accommodation you asked for, what your landlord said about accommodating it, and why you think that's why they're trying to evict you now.

Research this defense more:

See 2California Code of Regulations12176(c)

If someone else offered to pay your rent to your landlord and the landlordwouldn't take the rent from this other person or agency, you may be able to use this as a defense.

  • On theAnswer- Unlawful Detainer-Eviction (form UD-105),check box 3q
  • On theAttachment (formMC-025),write UD-105, item 3tand explain who offered to pay your rent, when they tried to pay your landlord, and how your landlord responded.

Research this defense more:

SeeCivil Code section1947.3

SeeGovernment Code section 12955

If you were a tenant between March 1, 2020 and September 30, 2021 and your landlord used your security deposit to pay past due rent or other money you owed them without your written permission, you may be able to use this as a defense.

  • On theAnswer- Unlawful Detainer-Eviction (form UD-105),check boxes 3pand 3p(1)
  • On theAttachment (formMC-025), write UD-105, item 3tand describe how you know how the landlord applied your rent payment and how it violates the law.

Research this defense more:

Code of Civil Procedure section 1179.04.5

If you were a tenant between March 1, 2020 and September 30, 2021 and your landlord applied your monthly rent payment toa different month than the month you were paying for, without your written permission, you may be able to use this as a defense.

  • On theAnswer- Unlawful Detainer-Eviction (form UD-105),check boxes 3pand 3p(2)
  • On theAttachment (formMC-025), write UD-105, item 3tand describe how you know how the landlord applied your rent payment and how it violates the law.

Research this defense more:

Code of Civil Procedure section 1179.04.5

If you think your landlord wants to evict youbecause of abuse or violence against you, your family members, or someone who lives with you, you may be able to use this as a defense. This defense requires documented evidence of the abuse or violence, such as a signed statement from a qualified third person or a recent protective (or restraining) order or police report.

  • On theAnswer- Unlawful Detainer-Eviction (form UD-105),check box 3k
  • On theAttachment (formMC-025),write UD-105, item 3tand describe why you think your landlord is trying to evict you because of the violence or abuse.

If the abuse or violence was committed by a person who lives in the unit, the court may be able to order an eviction of only the person who committed the abuse or violence.

  • On theAnswer- Unlawful Detainer-Eviction (form UD-105),check box 3k(2)

Research this defense more:

SeeCode of Civil Procedure section 1161.3and Code of Civil Procedure section 1174.27.

Eviction Defenses | California Courts (2024)

FAQs

What is the new eviction law in California in 2024? ›

At a glance: What a landlord cannot do in California in 2024

No-fault evictions are prohibited, so landlords can't evict a tenant without cause. If a landlord ends a tenancy agreement to move back into the home, it can't be put back on the rental market within 12 months.

Who has the burden of proof in an unlawful detainer in California? ›

The Plaintiff – The Landlord

They initiate the unlawful detainer by serving the tenant an eviction notice, then filing a summons and complaint if needed. The landlord has the “burden of proof”. This means it is their responsibility to provide sufficient evidence and legal grounds for the tenant's removal.

How do I stop an eviction in California? ›

How to ask for your eviction case to be dismissed
  1. Fill out forms. Fill out the following forms. ...
  2. Make copies of the form(s) Make 2 copies of the completed form(s).
  3. File the Request for Dismissal with the court. ...
  4. Serve the forms. ...
  5. File the Notice of Entry of Dismissal and Proof of Service.

Can a landlord evict you in 3 days in California? ›

In the state of California, landlords may serve a Three-Day Notice allowing them to start the eviction process by filing the Unlawful Detainer in court for a tenant that does not pay up on late rent payments within the three-day notice period.

What is the new tenant protection law in California? ›

California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) provides basic protections for renters against extreme rent increases and unfair evictions. A new law (SB 567) makes important changes that take effect April 1, 2024. “NO-FAULT” REASONS FOR EVICTION: The landlord or their relative is moving in.

What is the SB 567 tenant Protection Act effective April 1, 2024? ›

SB 567 imposes the following requirements on owner move-in evictions: (1) the owner or relative must move in within 90 days after the tenant leaves, (2) the owner/relative must live in the unit as their primary residence for at least one year, (3) the eviction notice must disclose the name of the person who is moving ...

How do I defend an eviction in California? ›

Some of the most effective eviction defenses tenants can raise in California are:
  1. Improper notice from landlord.
  2. Retaliatory eviction.
  3. Discrimination.
  4. Unlawful harassment from landlord.
  5. Uninhabitable living conditions.
  6. Landlord breach of lease.
  7. Rent control violations.
  8. Illegal lockouts.

What is the affirmative defense for eviction in California? ›

If you think your landlord is evicting because of your race, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, number of children, job, physical or mental disability, or because you are receiving public assistance, you may be able to use this as a defense.

How long can you delay an eviction in California? ›

The notice gives you five days to leave. If you can't leave within the five days, you can go back to court and request a “Stay of Execution.” You will need to pay one week's rent to the court and this will delay the eviction for another week. It may be possible to get more than one Stay of Execution.

Can you be evicted if you pay partial rent in California? ›

Some states, like California, require you to restart the eviction process if you accept a partial payment after filing in court. Additionally, to avoid discrimination claims, treating all tenants equally when deciding whether to accept partial payments is essential.

Do I have 30 days to move after an eviction in California? ›

If you have lived in the rental unit for less than one year, then you will receive a 30-day notice to quit, which gives you 30 days to move out of the rental unit.

What happens when the Sheriff comes to evict you in California? ›

Writ of Possession/Notice to Vacate

(If the Landlord/Plaintiff wins the case, the Landlord/Plaintiff can obtain a writ of possession to move you out of the property. The Sheriff will post what is called a “Notice to Vacate.” You will have five days from the date the Sheriff posts the Notice to Vacate to move-out.

What new California laws bring changes to housing in 2024? ›

California Senate Bill 567, i.e., the Homelessness Prevention Act, which goes into effect on April 1, 2024, seeks to cap rent hikes at 10% and prevents landlords from evicting tenants without a legal cause. California Assembly Bill 12, i.e., the new residential security deposit law, which goes into effect on July 1, ...

What are the eviction laws in California right now? ›

California's Tenant Protection Act

The Tenant Protection Act prohibits landlords from evicting most tenants without “just cause.” The law sets out two kinds of evictions: "at fault" evictions and "no fault" evictions. At fault evictions include: Nonpayment of rent. Breach of a material term of the lease.

Is the eviction ban still in effect in California? ›

Although the statewide moratoriums ended on June 30, 2022 for nearly all tenants, local emergency ordinances still may apply. In fact, some cities and counties (for example, Fairfax, San Diego, San Rafael, Pomona, Novato and Marin County) have created new temporary protections to address the June statewide expiration.

How much money does a landlord have to give a tenant to move out in California? ›

But, your landlord can still require you to move out for one of the “no-fault” reasons listed in the law. If your landlord evicts you for one of these reasons, they must first give you one month's rent or waive one month's rent to help you move out.

Top Articles
A Guide to Sustainable Energy Sources – Ledger
ESG in the asset management industry: The CDO’s role
English Bulldog Puppies For Sale Under 1000 In Florida
Katie Pavlich Bikini Photos
Gamevault Agent
Pieology Nutrition Calculator Mobile
Hocus Pocus Showtimes Near Harkins Theatres Yuma Palms 14
Hendersonville (Tennessee) – Travel guide at Wikivoyage
Doby's Funeral Home Obituaries
Compare the Samsung Galaxy S24 - 256GB - Cobalt Violet vs Apple iPhone 16 Pro - 128GB - Desert Titanium | AT&T
Vardis Olive Garden (Georgioupolis, Kreta) ✈️ inkl. Flug buchen
Things To Do In Atlanta Tomorrow Night
Non Sequitur
Crossword Nexus Solver
How To Cut Eelgrass Grounded
Pac Man Deviantart
Alexander Funeral Home Gallatin Obituaries
Craigslist In Flagstaff
Shasta County Most Wanted 2022
Energy Healing Conference Utah
Testberichte zu E-Bikes & Fahrrädern von PROPHETE.
Aaa Saugus Ma Appointment
Geometry Review Quiz 5 Answer Key
Icivics The Electoral Process Answer Key
Allybearloves
Bible Gateway passage: Revelation 3 - New Living Translation
Yisd Home Access Center
Home
Shadbase Get Out Of Jail
Gina Wilson Angle Addition Postulate
Celina Powell Lil Meech Video: A Controversial Encounter Shakes Social Media - Video Reddit Trend
Walmart Pharmacy Near Me Open
Marquette Gas Prices
A Christmas Horse - Alison Senxation
Ou Football Brainiacs
Access a Shared Resource | Computing for Arts + Sciences
Vera Bradley Factory Outlet Sunbury Products
Pixel Combat Unblocked
Cvs Sport Physicals
Mercedes W204 Belt Diagram
'Conan Exiles' 3.0 Guide: How To Unlock Spells And Sorcery
Teenbeautyfitness
Where Can I Cash A Huntington National Bank Check
Topos De Bolos Engraçados
Sand Castle Parents Guide
Gregory (Five Nights at Freddy's)
Grand Valley State University Library Hours
Holzer Athena Portal
Hello – Cornerstone Chapel
Stoughton Commuter Rail Schedule
Selly Medaline
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kieth Sipes

Last Updated:

Views: 6603

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (47 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kieth Sipes

Birthday: 2001-04-14

Address: Suite 492 62479 Champlin Loop, South Catrice, MS 57271

Phone: +9663362133320

Job: District Sales Analyst

Hobby: Digital arts, Dance, Ghost hunting, Worldbuilding, Kayaking, Table tennis, 3D printing

Introduction: My name is Kieth Sipes, I am a zany, rich, courageous, powerful, faithful, jolly, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.