California Tenant Question Library
What Is a Default Judgment in an Unlawful Detainer Case?
Short answer
It's a judgment the landlord can win when the tenant doesn't respond to the lawsuit in time — so the case can be decided without the tenant's side being heard.
In an unlawful detainer case, if the tenant is served and doesn't file a written response by the deadline, the landlord can ask the court to enter the tenant's default — and then, as a separate step, request a default judgment.
That means the court can decide the case in the landlord's favor without ever hearing the tenant's side. It's one of the most common ways tenants lose — not on the merits, but by not responding in time.
A Few Things Worth Knowing
- A default judgment can be entered when the tenant doesn't respond in time.
- The case can be decided without the tenant's side being heard.
- Responding by the deadline is what avoids a default.
The Tool for This Stage
Understand the Deadline That Matters
The California Tenant Rapid Defense System helps you understand the response deadline and what filing a response involves.