California Tenant Question Library
What Should I Do After Receiving Court Documents?
Short answer
Don't ignore them, and don't panic — you generally have 10 court days to file a written response, and responding preserves your opportunity to participate in the case and raise defenses.
If you've been served with a Summons and Complaint for unlawful detainer, the eviction case has been filed in the Superior Court. The most important thing is the deadline.
Once personally served, you generally have 10 court days (weekends and court holidays don't count) to file a written response to the unlawful detainer complaint. If you don't respond in time, the landlord can ask the court for a default judgment — meaning they could win without your side ever being heard. Responding preserves your opportunity to participate in the case, and it's where defenses — like a defective notice, improper service, or habitability problems — are raised and preserved.
A Few Things Worth Knowing
- Deadline: generally 10 court days after personal service to file a written response.
- Missing the deadline can lead to a default judgment against you.
- The written response is where your defenses are raised and preserved.
The Tool for This Stage
Respond and Preserve Your Defenses
The California Tenant Rapid Defense System helps you file a response and raise your defenses.