Answer an Unlawful Detainer Workshop

Answer an Unlawful Detainer Workshop

In this workshop you will find answers to: 

  • How to complete an answer to an Unlawful Detainer (Eviction) Complaint
  • How to have your forms reviewed by the Self-Help Center staff
  • Next steps after completing your answer, including how to file

How to file an Answer to an Unlawful Detainer Complaint

Filing an Answer to an Unlawful Detainer Complaint

This video provides information about completing an Answer to an Unlawful Detainer Complaint, the legal terminology and the process, including: how to deny allegations made in the complaint, the various affirmative defenses that may apply to you, as well as what to do after completing your answer form.

Prior to having the Self-Help Center review your answer form, you must watch this video and submit the information requested at the end of this video.

If you are unable to view this video on your computer, you are welcome to do so in the courthouse by visiting the Restraining Order Help Center during our walk-in hours.

Who Should View this Video?

Anyone is welcome to view the video. Please do not submit the information at the end of the course if your case is not filed in Santa Clara County.

You should watch this video if:

  • You have been sued in an Unlawful Detainer case and want more information about the process to file an Answer.
  • You will be filing an Answer in your Santa Clara County Unlawful Detainer case and want the Self-Help Center to review your forms.

What to Expect

Plan for approximately 30 minutesto complete the entire video. After the video you will be given options to access the forms.

Click play below to start the program. To create a record of your participation at the end of the program, you will need to provide the following required information:

  • Name
  • E-mail address
  • Phone number

After the video, you will review your options to access the forms. After you have completed the forms, you can choose to visit the Restraining Order Help Center for review, before filing forms with the Clerk’s Office.

Answer an Unlawful Detainer Complaint Workshop Video

Important:After after you watch the video, if you want to create a record of your participation so the Self-Help Center staff can review your forms before filing, click the blue button below to fill out the Online Video Viewing Verification Form.

Online Video Viewing Verification Form

Filling out your Answer to an Unlawful Detainer forms

Now that you have finished watching the Answering an Unlawful Detainer Complaint Workshop Video, you are ready to start filling out your answer forms. You have several options below for filling out your forms. Please read through each option thoroughly to determine which option is best for you. You will only need to choose one option belowto fill out your forms.

When filling out your forms online, please remember to write down your login name and password, and keep that information in a safe, confidential place.

*Disclaimer: The review of your forms by the Self-Help Center is for answering an Unlawful Detainer Complaint only.

  1. LawHelp Interactive Program : This website gives you interactive answer forms to fill out.  At the end of the program, you will download a PDF version of your forms for printing and filing.  You are welcome to bring these forms in person to the Restraining Order Help Center for review before filing your forms. 
  2. Guide and File : This website gives you interactive answer forms to fill out. If you choose to use this program to complete your forms, you may download a PDF version of your form and bring them in person to the Restraining Order Help Center for review before filing your forms.  At the end of the program, you have the option of filing your forms online with the Clerk’s office without having them reviewed . However, this is not recommended, due to the processing time for e-filing and the time-sensitive nature of filing an answer.

    Guide and File Program Instructions:

    • Select “Eviction/Unlawful Detainer Answer”.
    • Create your account.
    • Once you are signed into Guide and File, select “Eviction/Unlawful Detainer Answer”as the case you want to open.
    • Follow the prompts to complete the interview.
  3. Self Help Center Website : On the court’s website, we have blank form packets, and sample packets you can download and print. Once you have both packets, you use the sample packet as a guide to complete the blank forms. Before filing your forms with the Clerk’s office, you may have them reviewed by visiting the Restraining Order Help Center.
  4. No Internet /No Computer/No Printer Access : For litigants who do not have access to the internet, a computer, and/or a printer, please visit us at the Restraining Order Help Center  to pick up the forms, view the online video, and/or get our help reviewing your forms before you file.

Optional: Have your forms reviewed by the Self-Help Center staff

To have your forms reviewed by the Self-Help Center, please visit us in person at the Restraining Order Help Center, located at the Family Justice Center Courthouse at 201 North First Street in San Jose.  We are open for assistance Monday-Thursday, 8:30 am-1:30 pm and Fridays, 8:30 am-12:00 pm.

If you have filled out your forms, and do NOT need a staff member from the Self-Help Center to review your forms before turning them into the Clerk’s office, skip to the next section on Filing your Forms.

Filing your forms with the Clerk’s Office

Once you are ready to file your forms, click here to download a copy of your filing instructions .