New California Law Gives Renters More Time to Respond to Evictions

California tenants now have twice as long to respond to eviction notices.

Beginning in January 2025, California enacted a key change to eviction procedures by extending the response time for tenants facing eviction from five to ten business days. This new law provides renters with a crucial window to seek legal counsel, prepare their defense, and understand the paperwork involved in unlawful detainer lawsuits. Previously, tenants often lost their cases by default simply because they were unable to respond in time—especially in areas where legal aid is scarce or overwhelmed.

Tenant advocates argue this reform is essential in addressing the power imbalance in eviction proceedings, where landlords are more likely to be represented by attorneys. While landlords still retain the right to pursue eviction for valid legal reasons, tenants now have a more equitable opportunity to assert their rights and potentially avoid displacement. The law also shortens the window landlords have to take follow-up legal action after a tenant files a response, which balances the interests on both sides.

Though modest, this procedural reform marks a step toward ensuring due process and housing stability for thousands of Californians navigating the state's challenging rental market.