You Have Rights.
Here's What to Do Right Now.

1. Do NOT leave your home. A notice is not a court order.
2. Check the notice carefully — the amount and contact info must be correct or the notice is invalid.
3. If you can pay the full amount, pay it and get written confirmation. The eviction stops.
4. If you cannot pay, contact a legal aid organization immediately — today.
5. Your landlord cannot remove you without winning a court case (Unlawful Detainer).

1. You have 10 BUSINESS DAYS from the date you were served to file a written response. (AB 2347, 2025)
2. Missing this deadline = automatic judgment against you — do not ignore the summons.
3. Download Form UD-105 (Unlawful Detainer Answer) from the CA Courts website.
4. File your response at the courthouse named on the summons — many have same-day self-help centers.
5. Call legal aid in your county immediately — free eviction defense is available.

1. Call 911 immediately. An illegal lockout is a crime in California.
2. Document everything — photograph the new locks, your belongings still inside, any notices.
3. You are entitled to $100/day for every day you are locked out (Civil Code §789.3).
4. Contact a tenant attorney the same day — courts can issue emergency reentry orders.
5. Do not pay any "fee" your landlord demands to be let back in.

1. Apply for emergency rental assistance immediately — dial 211 or visit 211.org.
2. Notify your landlord in writing that you have applied for assistance.
3. Many landlords will pause eviction proceedings while rental assistance is pending.
4. Check your eligibility for LIHEAP (utility assistance) at csd.ca.gov.
5. Contact your county's legal aid organization — they can help you pursue assistance AND fight the eviction.

1. Utility shutoffs by a landlord are illegal in California (Civil Code §789.3).
2. Document the shutoff with photos, timestamps, and written communication.
3. File a code enforcement complaint with your city or county immediately.
4. For mold, heat, or serious habitability issues — send written repair request by text or email.
5. You may be entitled to repair-and-deduct (up to one month's rent) for urgent repairs.

1. Your immigration status does NOT affect your California tenant rights. Full stop.
2. Threatening to report immigration status to force a tenant to vacate is illegal — Civil Code §1940.35.
3. This is also potentially federal extortion. Document every threat in writing.
4. Contact a tenant attorney or legal aid immediately — this is a strong case.
5. You do not have to leave, pay money, or waive any rights because of immigration threats.

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