§1.08 Defendant’s Responsive Pleading

The defendant has three options for responding to an unlawful detainer complaint:

• File an answer [see form 982.1(95)],
• File a demurrer [see §6.01], or
• File a motion to quash service of summons [see §6.02].

The defendant cannot file a cross-complaint or counterclaim. [Vella v Hudgins (1977) 20 C3d 251, 255.] If a defendant files a responsive pleading other than an answer, and you overrule a demurrer or deny a motion to quash, it is customary to grant the defendant five days within which to file an answer to the complaint. [See CCP §1167.3.]