Important: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Court fees and requirements change frequently. Always verify with your local court before filing.
Eviction in California
Open-data reference.
Filing a eviction in California costs $240–$450 - among the most expensive of the 10 states we track. The typical timeline is Uncontested: 3-5 weeks. Contested: 2-3 months., and a mandatory waiting period of 3 days applies before the court can finalize the matter.
Non-payment of rent (3-day notice), lease violation (3-day notice), no-cause (60-day notice for 1+ year tenants)
What This Means for Your Eviction Filing in California
Filing for eviction in California costs $240–$450 at the courthouse, the first financial barrier most self-represented filers face. Unlawful Detainer filing: $240-$450 depending on county. Beyond the filing fee, a mandatory waiting period of 3 days applies before the court can finalize the matter, and the typical case timeline is Uncontested: 3-5 weeks. Contested: 2-3 months.. County-level surcharges and service-of-process fees can add to that total; see our court fee waiver guide for who qualifies to file without paying.
Procedurally, California lays out 7 distinct steps, and the clerk typically requires 5 core document categories to open your case. Residency rules matter: standard state residency rules apply. Grounds or legal theory must be stated clearly in the initial petition - Non-payment of rent (3-day notice), lease violation (3-day notice), no-cause (60-day notice for 1+ year tenants) (see our pro se filing guide for common filing mistakes to avoid).
Filing Fee Details
Unlawful Detainer filing: $240-$450 depending on county.
How California compares to other states
California ranks #2 of 10 states for eviction filing cost. Each bar is a state's upper-bound eviction filing fee, from $150 (NC) to $500 (NY); California is highlighted at $450.
Source: state court filing-fee schedules (upper-bound fee per state). Verify current amounts with the relevant court. How we calculate this ranking →
Key Requirements
- Serve proper written notice (3, 30, or 60 days)
- Wait for notice period to expire
- File Unlawful Detainer complaint if tenant stays
- Serve defendant (5-day summons)
- Writ of Possession if tenant does not vacate after judgment
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Serve written notice (3-day pay-or-quit, 30/60-day no-cause)
- 2
Wait for notice period to expire
- 3
File Unlawful Detainer in Superior Court
- 4
Serve tenant with Summons and Complaint (5 days to respond)
- 5
Default judgment if no response, or trial date set
- 6
Obtain Writ of Possession
- 7
Sheriff enforces eviction
Important Notes
Many California cities have strong tenant protections and just cause eviction requirements.
Grounds / Eligibility
Non-payment of rent (3-day notice), lease violation (3-day notice), no-cause (60-day notice for 1+ year tenants)
Quick Reference
- Filing Fee
- $240–$450
- Waiting Period
- 3 days
- Typical Timeline
- Uncontested: 3-5 weeks. Contested: 2-3 months.
Official Resources
Other Civil Processes in California
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file for eviction in California?
The filing fee for eviction in California is $240–$450. Unlawful Detainer filing: $240-$450 depending on county.
How long does eviction take in California?
Uncontested: 3-5 weeks. Contested: 2-3 months.
Do I need a lawyer for eviction in California?
You are not legally required to hire an attorney for eviction in California, but legal representation is recommended for complex cases. Free or low-cost legal aid may be available, see lawhelp.org for California resources.
Is there a waiting period for eviction in California?
California requires a mandatory waiting period of 3 days before the process can be finalized.
Where do I file for eviction in California?
Eviction filings in California are handled through the state court system. Visit the official court website for county-specific filing locations and current fee schedules.
What documents are needed for eviction in California?
Key requirements include: Serve proper written notice (3, 30, or 60 days); Wait for notice period to expire; File Unlawful Detainer complaint if tenant stays.
Where does this data come from?
This information is sourced from California court websites, legal aid organizations, and public court fee schedules, last verified 2026-03. See our methodology for full sourcing details.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
| Publisher | PlainCivil |
| Sources | Public state court datasets and federal civil-justice records |