File an Answer to Eviction (Unlawful Detainer)

In California, the answer to an eviction, also known as an unlawful detainer, is a legal response filed by the tenant in response to the landlord's eviction lawsuit. The answer must be filed with the court within a specific time frame after the tenant receives the summons and complaint. In the answer, the tenant addresses each of the landlord's claims, either admitting or denying the allegations. The tenant can also assert any legal defenses or counterclaims they may have. Filing an answer is crucial for the tenant to protect their rights and have their side of the case heard in court, potentially preventing the eviction or negotiating a resolution with the landlord. Failure to file an answer may result in a default judgment in favor of the landlord.
1. Download the Document
Please click here to download the document(s) and complete them.
2. Make Service Payment
Please click here to make the service payment.
Please note that any court filing fees, if applicable, are your responsibility, and the service payment you have made is non-refundable.
3. Send us the Document(s)
Please send us the document(s) via email to efile@1efile.com, and please ensure to thoroughly review the document before returning it to us.
4. eFile Account Setup and eFile
We will establish an eFiling account for you to submit your document(s) to the court electronically. After the filing is complete, you will receive an envelope number from the court system.
Please reach out to the court to inquire about the filing's status.
Note: While eFiling, it is not uncommon that the filings get rejected. We kindly ask for your understanding, as document rejections can occur due to various factors like missing information, incorrect formatting, outdated documents, documents' size, etc. The court filing fees deducted from the account will be returned back to the account within 3 to 10 business days, depending on financial policies of the banks/credit companies.