When is a UD trial set?

Typically within 20 days of the tenant filing an answer. UD cases are priority on California court calendars.

What evidence do I need?

Lease, notice with proof of service, ledger of rent payments and balance, communications with the tenant, photographs of property condition, contractor invoices for repair-related cases, and witnesses ready to testify.

How long is a UD trial?

Bench trial, no jury (in most cases). 30 minutes to a few hours for typical residential cases. Habitability defenses add length.

What about tenant affirmative defenses?

Prepare to address every defense raised in the answer: habitability with repair records and contractor invoices, retaliation with timeline documentation, notice defects with proof of compliance, just-cause failure with statutory analysis.

Should I have an attorney?

Strongly recommended. UD attorneys know what judges expect and handle procedural objections in real time. The cost is small relative to the cost of losing or being sent back to start over.

~20-day trial set · Bench trial

UD trial prep. The case is won or lost in the file.

Lease, notice, ledger, communications, photos, witnesses. Address every affirmative defense in the answer with specific documentation.

TL;DR

Trial sets ~20 days after answer. Bench trial, typically under an hour. Bring: lease, notice + proof of service, ledger, communications, photos, contractor invoices, witnesses. Address every defense in the answer with specific evidence. Attorney strongly recommended.

Eviction Rules
Tenant Answer

Common questions — UD trial

When set?

~20 days after answer.

Evidence?

Lease, notice + proof, ledger, communications, photos, invoices, witnesses.

Length?

30 min to a few hours. Habitability adds time.

Affirmative defenses?

Prepare specific evidence for each.

Attorney?

Strongly recommended.