Not legal advice. This page summarizes public statutes and court fee schedules as of the date shown. Rules and fees change; confirm with the court before you file, and talk to a local attorney about your situation.
California eviction at a glance
| Court | Superior Court in the county where the property is located (unlawful detainer) |
|---|
California evictions are heard in the superior Court in the county where the property is located (unlawful detainer). Before filing for unpaid rent, the landlord must give the notice required by Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §1161(2).
Step by step
- Notice for unpaid rent. A 3-day notice to pay rent or quit; the 3 days exclude Saturdays, Sundays and court holidays. It may demand only rent, not late fees or other charges. (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §1161(2))
- File in court. If the tenant doesn't pay or move out, file the eviction case in the superior Court in the county where the property is located (unlawful detainer). Ask the clerk for current filing and service fees. (California Courts Self-Help: Eviction notices)
- Hearing, judgment and removal. After the tenant is served, the court sets a hearing. If the landlord wins, removal happens only through the court's order or writ, carried out by a law enforcement officer. Exact timelines are in the court's self-help materials. (California Courts Self-Help: Eviction notices)
Statewide fees
| Eviction filing fee | $240 Unlawful detainer complaint, amount up to $10,000 ($385 for $10,001–$35,000); a few courts add local surcharges Source: Statewide civil fee schedule eff. Jan. 1, 2026 (via Solano Superior Court) |
|---|---|
| Service of process and writ / removal | Not verified Set by the county sheriff, marshal or constable |
The filing fee is set statewide. Service and writ fees vary by county.
All California counties
Counties without verified local fees show the statewide rules above.
- Alameda County
- Alpine County
- Amador County
- Butte County
- Calaveras County
- Colusa County
- Contra Costa County
- Del Norte County
- El Dorado County
- Fresno County
- Glenn County
- Humboldt County
- Imperial County
- Inyo County
- Kern County
- Kings County
- Lake County
- Lassen County
- Los Angeles County
- Madera County
- Marin County
- Mariposa County
- Mendocino County
- Merced County
- Modoc County
- Mono County
- Monterey County
- Napa County
- Nevada County
- Orange County
- Placer County
- Plumas County
- Riverside County
- Sacramento County
- San Benito County
- San Bernardino County
- San Diego County
- San Francisco County
- San Joaquin County
- San Luis Obispo County
- San Mateo County
- Santa Barbara County
- Santa Clara County
- Santa Cruz County
- Shasta County
- Sierra County
- Siskiyou County
- Solano County
- Sonoma County
- Stanislaus County
- Sutter County
- Tehama County
- Trinity County
- Tulare County
- Tuolumne County
- Ventura County
- Yolo County
- Yuba County
Frequently asked
Which court handles evictions in California?
Superior Court in the county where the property is located (unlawful detainer).
How much notice does a California landlord have to give?
A 3-day notice to pay rent or quit; the 3 days exclude Saturdays, Sundays and court holidays. It may demand only rent, not late fees or other charges.
How much does it cost to file an eviction in California?
Eviction filing fee: $240. Unlawful detainer complaint, amount up to $10,000 ($385 for $10,001–$35,000); a few courts add local surcharges. The filing fee is set statewide. Service and writ fees vary by county.