Code of Civil Procedure for Unlawful Detainer
446. (a) Every pleading shall be subscribed by the party or his or
her attorney. When the state, any county thereof, city, school
district, district, public agency, or public corporation, or any
officer of the state, or of any county thereof, city, school
district, district, public agency, or public corporation, in his or
her official capacity, is plaintiff, the answer shall be verified,
unless an admission of the truth of the complaint might subject the
party to a criminal prosecution, or, unless a county thereof, city,
school district, district, public agency, or public corporation, or
an officer of the state, or of any county, city, school district,
district, public agency, or public corporation, in his or her
official capacity, is defendant. When the complaint is verified, the
answer shall be verified. In all cases of a verification of a
pleading, the affidavit of the party shall state that the same is
true of his own knowledge, except as to the matters which are therein
stated on his or her information or belief, and as to those matters
that he or she believes it to be true; and where a pleading is
verified, it shall be by the affidavit of a party, unless the parties
are absent from the county where the attorney has his or her office,
or from some cause unable to verify it, or the facts are within the
knowledge of his or her attorney or other person verifying the same.
When the pleading is verified by the attorney, or any other person
except one of the parties, he or she shall set forth in the affidavit
the reasons why it is not made by one of the parties.
When a corporation is a party, the verification may be made by any
officer thereof. When the state, any county thereof, city, school
district, district, public agency, or public corporation, or an
officer of the state, or of any county thereof, city, school
district, district, public agency, or public corporation, in his or
her official capacity is plaintiff, the complaint need not be
verified; and if the state, any county thereof, city, school
district, district, public agency, or public corporation, or an
officer of such state, county, city, school district, district,
public agency, or public corporation, in his or her official capacity
is defendant, its or his or her answer need not be verified.
When the verification is made by the attorney for the reason that
the parties are absent from the county where he or she has his or her
office, or from some other cause are unable to verify it, or when
the verification is made on behalf of a corporation or public agency
by any officer thereof, the attorney's or officer's affidavit shall
state that he or she has read the pleading and that he or she is
informed and believes the matters therein to be true and on that
ground alleges that the matters stated therein are true. However, in
those cases the pleadings shall not otherwise be considered as an
affidavit or declaration establishing the facts therein alleged.
A person verifying a pleading need not swear to the truth or his
or her belief in the truth of the matters stated therein but may,
instead, assert the truth or his or her belief in the truth of those
matters "under penalty of perjury."
(b) This section shall become operative on January 1, 1999, unless
a statute that becomes effective on or before this date extends or
deletes the repeal date of Section 446, as amended by Assembly Bill
3594 of the 1993-94 Regular Session.
455. In an action for the recovery of real property, it must be
described in the complaint with such certainty as to enable an
officer, upon execution, to identify it.
472. Any pleading may be amended once by the party of course, and
without costs, at any time before the answer or demurrer is filed, or
after demurrer and before the trial of the issue of law thereon, by
filing the same as amended and serving a copy on the adverse party,
and the time in which the adverse party must respond thereto shall be
computed from the date of notice of the amendment.
472b. When a demurrer to any pleading is sustained or overruled,
and time to amend or answer is given, the time so given runs from the
service of notice of the decision or order, unless the notice is
waived in open court, and the waiver entered in the minutes. When an
order sustaining a demurrer without leave to amend is reversed or
otherwise remanded by any order issued by a reviewing court, any
amended complaint shall be filed within 30 days after the clerk of
the reviewing court mails notice of the issuance of the remittitur.
473. (a) (1) The court may, in furtherance of justice, and on any
terms as may be proper, allow a party to amend any pleading or
proceeding by adding or striking out the name of any party, or by
correcting a mistake in the name of a party, or a mistake in any
other respect; and may, upon like terms, enlarge the time for answer
or demurrer. The court may likewise, in its discretion, after notice
to the adverse party, allow, upon any terms as may be just, an
amendment to any pleading or proceeding in other particulars; and may
upon like terms allow an answer to be made after the time limited by
this code.
(2) When it appears to the satisfaction of the court that the
amendment renders it necessary, the court may postpone the trial, and
may, when the postponement will by the amendment be rendered
necessary, require, as a condition to the amendment, the payment to
the adverse party of any costs as may be just. (b) The court may, upon any terms as may be just, relieve a party
or his or her legal representative from a judgment, dismissal, order,
or other proceeding taken against him or her through his or her
mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect. Application
for this relief shall be accompanied by a copy of the answer or other
pleading proposed to be filed therein, otherwise the application
shall not be granted, and shall be made within a reasonable time, in
no case exceeding six months, after the judgment, dismissal, order,
or proceeding was taken. However, in the case of a judgment,
dismissal, order, or other proceeding determining the ownership or
right to possession of real or personal property, without extending
the six-month period, when a notice in writing is personally served
within the State of California both upon the party against whom the
judgment, dismissal, order, or other proceeding has been taken, and
upon his or her attorney of record, if any, notifying that party and
his or her attorney of record, if any, that the order, judgment,
dismissal, or other proceeding was taken against him or her and that
any rights the party has to apply for relief under the provisions of
Section 473 of the Code of Civil Procedure shall expire 90 days after
service of the notice, then the application shall be made within 90
days after service of the notice upon the defaulting party or his or
her attorney of record, if any, whichever service shall be later. No
affidavit or declaration of merits shall be required of the moving
party. Notwithstanding any other requirements of this section, the
court shall, whenever an application for relief is made no more than
six months after entry of judgment, is in proper form, and is
accompanied by an attorney's sworn affidavit attesting to his or her
mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or neglect, vacate any (1) resulting
default entered by the clerk against his or her client, and which
will result in entry of a default judgment, or (2) resulting default
judgment or dismissal entered against his or her client, unless the
court finds that the default or dismissal was not in fact caused by
the attorney's mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or neglect. The
court shall, whenever relief is granted based on an attorney's
affidavit of fault, direct the attorney to pay reasonable
compensatory legal fees and costs to opposing counsel or parties.
However, this section shall not lengthen the time within which an
action shall be brought to trial pursuant to Section 583.310.
(c) (1) Whenever the court grants relief from a default, default
judgment, or dismissal based on any of the provisions of this
section, the court may do any of the following:
(A) Impose a penalty of no greater than one thousand dollars($1,000) upon an offending attorney or party.
(B) Direct that an offending attorney pay an amount no greater
than one thousand dollars ($1,000) to the State Bar Client Security
Fund. (C) Grant other relief as is appropriate. (2) However, where the court grants relief from a default or
default judgment pursuant to this section based upon the affidavit of
the defaulting party's attorney attesting to the attorney's mistake,
inadvertence, surprise, or neglect, the relief shall not be made
conditional upon the attorney's payment of compensatory legal fees or
costs or monetary penalties imposed by the court or upon compliance
with other sanctions ordered by the court. (d) The court may, upon motion of the injured party, or its own
motion, correct clerical mistakes in its judgment or orders as
entered, so as to conform to the judgment or order directed, and may,
on motion of either party after notice to the other party, set aside
any void judgment or order.
585. Judgment may be had, if the defendant fails to answer the
complaint, as follows:
(a) In an action arising upon contract or judgment for the
recovery of money or damages only, if the defendant has, or if more
than one defendant, if any of the defendants have, been served, other
than by publication, and no answer, demurrer, notice of motion to
strike of the character specified in subdivision (f), notice of
motion to transfer pursuant to Section 396b, notice of motion to
dismiss pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 583.210) of
Chapter 1.5 of Title 8, notice of motion to quash service of summons
or to stay or dismiss the action pursuant to Section 418.10, or
notice of the filing of a petition for writ of mandate as provided in
Section 418.10 has been filed with the clerk of the court within the
time specified in the summons, or within further time as may be
allowed, the clerk, upon written application of the plaintiff, and
proof of the service of summons, shall enter the default of the
defendant or defendants, so served, and immediately thereafter enter
judgment for the principal amount demanded in the complaint, in the
statement required by Section 425.11, or in the statement provided
for in Section 425.115, or a lesser amount if credit has been
acknowledged, together with interest allowed by law or in accordance
with the terms of the contract, and the costs against the defendant,
or defendants, or against one or more of the defendants. If, by rule
of court, a schedule of attorneys' fees to be allowed has been
adopted, the clerk may include in the judgment attorneys' fees in
accordance with the schedule (1) if the contract provides that
attorneys' fees shall be allowed in the event of an action thereon,
or (2) if the action is one in which the plaintiff is entitled by
statute to recover attorneys' fees in addition to money or damages.
The plaintiff shall file a written request at the time of application
for entry of the default of the defendant or defendants, to have
attorneys' fees fixed by the court, whereupon, after the entry of the
default, the court shall hear the application for determination of
the attorneys' fees and shall render judgment for the attorneys' fees
and for the other relief demanded in the complaint, in the statement
required by Section 425.11, or in the statement provided for in
Section 425.115, or a lesser amount if credit has been acknowledged,
and the costs against the defendant, or defendants, or against one or
more of the defendants.
(b) In other actions, if the defendant has been served, other than
by publication, and no answer, demurrer, notice of motion to strike
of the character specified in subdivision (f), notice of motion to
transfer pursuant to Section 396b, notice of motion to dismiss
pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 583.210) of Chapter
1.5 of Title 8, notice of motion to quash service of summons or to
stay or dismiss the action pursuant to Section 418.10 or notice of
the filing of a petition for writ of mandate as provided in Section
418.10 has been filed with the clerk of the court within the time
specified in the summons, or within further time as may be allowed,
the clerk, upon written application of the plaintiff, shall enter the
default of the defendant. The plaintiff thereafter may apply to the
court for the relief demanded in the complaint. The court shall hear
the evidence offered by the plaintiff, and shall render judgment in
the plaintiff's favor for that relief, not exceeding the amount
stated in the complaint, in the statement required by Section 425.11,
or in the statement provided for by Section 425.115, as appears by
the evidence to be just. If the taking of an account, or the proof of
any fact, is necessary to enable the court to give judgment or to
carry the judgment into effect, the court may take the account or
hear the proof, or may, in its discretion, order a reference for that
purpose. If the action is for the recovery of damages, in whole or
in part, the court may order the damages to be assessed by a jury; or
if, to determine the amount of damages, the examination of a long
account is involved, by a reference as above provided.
(c) In all actions where the service of the summons was by
publication, upon the expiration of the time for answering, and upon
proof of the publication and that no answer, demurrer, notice of
motion to strike of the character specified in subdivision (f),
notice of motion to transfer pursuant to Section 396b, notice of
motion to dismiss pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section
583.210) of Chapter 1.5 of Title 8, notice of motion to quash service
of summons or to stay or dismiss the action pursuant to Section
418.10, or notice of the filing of a petition for writ of mandate as
provided in Section 418.10 has been filed, the clerk, upon written
application of the plaintiff, shall enter the default of the
defendant. The plaintiff thereafter may apply to the court for the
relief demanded in the complaint; and the court shall hear the
evidence offered by the plaintiff, and shall render judgment in the
plaintiff's favor for that relief, not exceeding the amount stated in
the complaint, in the statement required by Section 425.11, or in
the statement provided for in Section 425.115, as appears by the
evidence to be just. If the defendant is not a resident of the state,
the court shall require the plaintiff, or the plaintiff's agent, to
be examined, on oath, respecting any payments that have been made to
the plaintiff, or to anyone for the plaintiff's use, on account of
any demand mentioned in the complaint, in the statement required by
Section 425.11, or in the statement provided for in Section 425.115,
and may render judgment for the amount that the plaintiff is entitled
to recover. In all cases affecting the title to or possession of
real property, where the service of the summons was by publication
and the defendant has failed to answer, no judgment shall be rendered
upon proof of mere occupancy, unless the occupancy has continued for
the time and has been of the character necessary to confer title by
prescription. In all cases where the plaintiff bases a claim upon a
paper title, the court shall require evidence establishing the
plaintiff's equitable right to judgment before rendering judgment. In
actions involving only the possession of real property where the
complaint is verified and shows by proper allegations that no party
to the action claims title to the real property involved, either by
prescription, accession, transfer, will, or succession, but only the
possession thereof, the court may render judgment upon proof of
occupancy by plaintiff and ouster by defendant.
(d) In the cases referred to in subdivisions (b) and (c), or upon
an application to have attorneys' fees fixed by the court pursuant to
subdivision (a), the court in its discretion may permit the use of
affidavits, in lieu of personal testimony, as to all or any part of
the evidence or proof required or permitted to be offered, received,
or heard in those cases. The facts stated in the affidavit or
affidavits shall be within the personal knowledge of the affiant and
shall be set forth with particularity, and each affidavit shall show
affirmatively that the affiant, if sworn as a witness, can testify
competently thereto.
(e) If a defendant files a cross-complaint against another
defendant or the plaintiff, a default may be entered against that
party on that cross-complaint if the plaintiff or that
cross-defendant has been served with that cross-complaint and has
failed to file an answer, demurrer, notice of motion to strike of the
character specified in subdivision (f), notice of motion to transfer
pursuant to Section 396b, notice of motion to dismiss pursuant to
Article 2 (commencing with Section 583.210) of Chapter 1.5 of Title
8, notice of motion to quash service of summons or to stay or dismiss
the action pursuant to Section 418.10, or notice of the filing of a
petition for a writ of mandate as provided in Section 418.10 within
the time specified in the summons, or within another time period as
may be allowed. However, no judgment may separately be entered on
that cross-complaint unless a separate judgment may, in fact, be
properly awarded on that cross-complaint and the court finds that a
separate judgment on that cross-complaint would not substantially
delay the final disposition of the action between the parties.
(f) A notice of motion to strike within the meaning of this
section is a notice of motion to strike the whole or any part of a
pleading filed within the time which the moving party is required
otherwise to plead to that pleading. The notice of motion to strike
shall specify a hearing date set in accordance with Section 1005. The
filing of a notice of motion does not extend the time within which
to demur.
586. (a) In the following cases the same proceedings shall be had,
and judgment shall be rendered in the same manner, as if the
defendant had failed to answer:
(1) If the complaint has been amended, and the defendant fails to
answer it, as amended, or demur thereto, or file a notice of motion
to strike, of the character specified in Section 585, within 30 days
after service thereof or within the time allowed by the court.
(2) If the demurrer to the complaint is overruled and a motion to
strike, of the character specified in Section 585, is denied, or
where only one thereof is filed, if the demurrer is overruled or the
motion to strike is denied, and the defendant fails to answer the
complaint within the time allowed by the court.
(3) If a motion to strike, of the character specified in Section
585, is granted in whole or in part, and the defendant fails to
answer the unstricken portion of the complaint within the time
allowed by the court, no demurrer having been sustained or being then
pending.
(4) If a motion to quash service of summons or to stay or dismiss
the action has been filed, or writ of mandate sought and notice
thereof given, as provided in Section 418.10, and upon denial of the
motion or writ, the defendant fails to respond to the complaint
within the time provided in that section or as otherwise provided by
law.
(5) If the demurrer to the answer is sustained and the defendant
fails to amend the answer within the time allowed by the court.
(6) (A) If a motion to transfer pursuant to Section 396b is denied
and the defendant fails to respond to the complaint within the time
allowed by the court pursuant to subdivision (e) of Section 396b or
within the time provided in subparagraph (C).
(B) If a motion to transfer pursuant to Section 396b is granted
and the defendant fails to respond to the complaint within 30 days of
the mailing of notice of the filing and case number by the clerk of
the court to which the action or proceeding is transferred or within
the time provided in subparagraph (C).
(C) If the order granting or denying a motion to transfer pursuant
to Section 396a or 396b is the subject of an appeal pursuant to
Section 904.2 in which a stay is granted or of a mandate proceeding
pursuant to Section 400, the court having jurisdiction over the
trial, upon application or on its own motion after the appeal or
mandate proceeding becomes final or upon earlier termination of a
stay, shall allow the defendant a reasonable time to respond to the
complaint. Notice of the order allowing the defendant further time to
respond to the complaint shall be promptly served by the party who
obtained the order or by the clerk if the order is made on the court'
s own motion.
(8) If a motion to dismiss pursuant to Section 583.250 is denied
and the defendant fails to respond within the time allowed by the
court.
(b) For the purposes of this section, "respond" means to answer,
to demur, or to move to strike.
631. (a) The right to a trial by jury as declared by Section 16 of
Article I of the California Constitution shall be preserved to the
parties inviolate. In civil cases, a jury may only be waived
pursuant to subdivision (d).
(b) Each party demanding a jury trial shall deposit advance jury
fees with the clerk or judge. The total amount of the advance jury
fees may not exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150) for each party.
The deposit shall be made at least 25 calendar days before the date
initially set for trial, except that in unlawful detainer actions the
fees shall be deposited at least five days before the date set for
trial.
(c) The parties demanding a jury trial shall deposit with the
clerk or judge, at the beginning of the second and each succeeding
day's session, a sum equal to that day's fees and mileage of the
jury, including the fees and mileage for the trial jury panel if the
trial jury has not yet been selected and sworn. If more than one
party has demanded a jury, the respective amount to be paid daily by
each party demanding a jury shall be determined by stipulation of the
parties or by order of the court.
(d) A party waives trial by jury in any of the following ways:
(1) By failing to appear at the trial.
(2) By written consent filed with the clerk or judge.
(3) By oral consent, in open court, entered in the minutes.
(4) By failing to announce that a jury is required, at the time
the cause is first set for trial, if it is set upon notice or
stipulation, or within five days after notice of setting if it is set
without notice or stipulation.
(5) By failing to deposit with the clerk, or judge, advance jury
fees as provided in subdivision (b).
(6) By failing to deposit with the clerk or judge, at the
beginning of the second and each succeeding day's session, the sum
provided in subdivision (c).
(e) The court may, in its discretion upon just terms, allow a
trial by jury although there may have been a waiver of a trial by
jury.
656. A new trial is a re-examination of an issue of fact in the
same court after a trial and decision by a jury, court, or referee.
664.6. If parties to pending litigation stipulate, in a writing
signed by the parties outside the presence of the court or orally
before the court, for settlement of the case, or part thereof, the
court, upon motion, may enter judgment pursuant to the terms of the
settlement. If requested by the parties, the court may retain
jurisdiction over the parties to enforce the settlement until
performance in full of the terms of the settlement.
715.010. (a) A judgment for possession of real property may be
enforced by a writ of possession of real property issued pursuant to
Section 712.010. The application for the writ shall provide a place
to indicate that the writ applies to all tenants, subtenants, if any,
name of claimants, if any, and any other occupants of the premises.
(b) In addition to the information required by Section 712.020,
the writ of possession of real property shall contain the following:
(1) A description of the real property, possession of which is to
be delivered to the judgment creditor in satisfaction of the
judgment.
(2) A statement that if the real property is not vacated within
five days from the date of service of a copy of the writ on the
occupant or, if the copy of the writ is posted, within five days from
the date a copy of the writ is served on the judgment debtor, the
levying officer will remove the occupants from the real property and
place the judgment creditor in possession.
(3) A statement that any personal property, except a mobilehome,
remaining on the real property after the judgment creditor has been
placed in possession will be sold or otherwise disposed of in
accordance with Section 1174 unless the judgment debtor or other
owner pays the judgment creditor the reasonable cost of storage and
takes possession of the personal property not later than 15 days
after the time the judgment creditor takes possession of the real
property.
(4) The date the complaint was filed in the action that resulted
in the judgment of possession.
(5) The date or dates on which the court will hear objections to
enforcement of a judgment of possession that are filed pursuant to
Section 1174.3, unless a summons, complaint, and prejudgment claim of
right to possession were served upon the occupants in accordance
with Section 415.46.
(6) The daily rental value of the property as of the date the
complaint for unlawful detainer was filed unless a summons,
complaint, and prejudgment claim of right of possession were served
upon the occupants in accordance with Section 415.46.
(7) If a summons, complaint, and prejudgment claim of right to
possession were served upon the occupants in accordance with Section
415.46, a statement that the writ applies to all tenants, subtenants,
if any, named claimants, if any, and any other occupants of the
premises.
(c) At the time the writ of possession is served or posted, the
levying officer shall also serve or post a copy of the form for a
claim of right to possession, unless a summons, complaint, and
prejudgment claim of right to possession were served upon the
occupants in accordance with Section 415.46.
715.020. To execute the writ of possession of real property:
(a) The levying officer shall serve a copy of the writ of
possession on one occupant of the property. Service on the occupant
shall be made by leaving the copy of the writ with the occupant
personally or, in the occupant's absence, with a person of suitable
age and discretion found upon the property when service is attempted
who is either an employee or agent of the occupant or a member of the
occupant's household. (b) If unable to serve an occupant described in subdivision (a) at
the time service is attempted, the levying officer shall execute the
writ of possession by posting a copy of the writ in a conspicuous
place on the property and serving a copy of the writ of possession on
the judgment debtor. Service shall be made personally or by mail.
If the judgment debtor's address is not known, the copy of the writ
may be served by mailing it to the address of the property. (c) If the judgment debtor, members of the judgment debtor's
household, and any other occupants holding under the judgment debtor
do not vacate the property within five days from the date of service
on an occupant pursuant to subdivision (a) or on the judgment debtor
pursuant to subdivision (b), the levying officer shall remove the
occupants from the property and place the judgment creditor in
possession. The provisions of Section 684.120 extending time do not
apply to the five-day period specified in this subdivision.
(d) Notwithstanding subdivision (c), unless the person is named in
the writ, the levying officer may not remove any person from the
property who claims a right to possession of the property accruing
prior to the commencement of the unlawful detainer action or who
claims to have been in possession of the property on the date of the
filing of the unlawful detainer action. However, if the summons,
complaint, and prejudgment claim of right to possession were served
upon the occupants in accordance with Section 415.46, no occupant of
the premises, whether or not the occupant is named in the judgment
for possession, may object to the enforcement of the judgment as
prescribed in Section 1174.3.
715.050 715.050. Except with respect to enforcement of a judgment for
money, a writ of possession issued pursuant to a judgment for
possession in an unlawful detainer action shall be enforced pursuant
to this chapter without delay, notwithstanding receipt of notice of
the filing by the defendant of a bankruptcy proceeding.
This section does not apply to a writ of possession issued for
possession of a mobilehome or manufactured home, as those terms are
defined in subdivision (a) of Section 1161a, and does not apply to a
writ of possession issued for possession of real property in a
mobilehome park subject to the Mobilehome Residency Law (Chapter 2.5 (commencing with Section 798) of Title 2 of Part 2 of Division 2 of
the Civil Code), or to a manufactured housing community, as defined
in Section 18801 of the Health and Safety Code.
715.050. Except with respect to enforcement of a judgment for
money, a writ of possession issued pursuant to a judgment for
possession in an unlawful detainer action shall be enforced pursuant
to this chapter without delay, notwithstanding receipt of notice of
the filing by the defendant of a bankruptcy proceeding.
This section does not apply to a writ of possession issued for
possession of a mobilehome or manufactured home, as those terms are
defined in subdivision (a) of Section 1161a, and does not apply to a
writ of possession issued for possession of real property in a
mobilehome park subject to the Mobilehome Residency Law (Chapter 2.5
(commencing with Section 798) of Title 2 of Part 2 of Division 2 of
the Civil Code), or to a manufactured housing community, as defined
in Section 18801 of the Health and Safety Code.
760.010. As used in this chapter:
(a) "Claim" includes a legal or equitable right, title, estate,
lien, or interest in property or cloud upon title.
(b) "Property" includes real property, and to the extent
applicable, personal property.
901. A judgment or order in a civil action or proceeding may be
reviewed as prescribed in this title. The Judicial Council shall
prescribe rules for the practice and procedure on appeal not
inconsistent with the provisions of this title.
918. (a) Subject to subdivision (b), the trial court may stay the
enforcement of any judgment or order.
(b) If the enforcement of the judgment or order would be stayed on
appeal only by the giving of an undertaking, a trial court shall not
have power, without the consent of the adverse party, to stay the
enforcement thereof pursuant to this section for a period which
extends for more than 10 days beyond the last date on which a notice
of appeal could be filed.
(c) This section applies whether or not an appeal will be taken
from the judgment or order and whether or not a notice of appeal has
been filed.
1005. (a) Written notice shall be given, as prescribed in
subdivisions (b) and (c), for the following motions:
(1) Notice of Application and Hearing for Writ of Attachment under
Section 484.040.
(2) Notice of Application and Hearing for Claim and Delivery under
Section 512.030.
(3) Notice of Hearing for Claim of Exemption under Section
706.105.
(4) Motion to Quash Summons pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section
418.10.
(5) Motion for Determination of Good Faith Settlement pursuant to
Section 877.6.
(6) Hearing for Discovery of Peace Officer Personnel Records
pursuant to Section 1043 of the Evidence Code.
(7) Notice of Hearing of Third-Party Claim pursuant to Section
720.320.
(8) Motion for an Order to Attend Deposition more than 150 miles
from deponent's residence pursuant to Section 2025.260.
(9) Notice of Hearing of Application for Relief pursuant to
Section 946.6 of the Government Code.
(10) Motion to Set Aside Default or Default Judgment and for Leave
to Defend Actions pursuant to Section 473.5.
(11) Motion to Expunge Notice of Pendency of Action pursuant to
Section 405.30.
(12) Motion to Set Aside Default and for Leave to Amend pursuant
to Section 585.5.
(13) Any other proceeding under this code in which notice is
required and no other time or method is prescribed by law or by court
or judge.
(b) Unless otherwise ordered or specifically provided by law, all
moving and supporting papers shall be served and filed at least 16
court days before the hearing. The moving and supporting papers
served shall be a copy of the papers filed or to be filed with the
court. However, if the notice is served by mail, the required 16-day
period of notice before the hearing shall be increased by five
calendar days if the place of mailing and the place of address are
within the State of California, 10 calendar days if either the place
of mailing or the place of address is outside the State of California
but within the United States, and 20 calendar days if either the
place of mailing or the place of address is outside the United
States, and if the notice is served by facsimile transmission,
express mail, or another method of delivery providing for overnight
delivery, the required 16-day period of notice before the hearing
shall be increased by two calendar days. Section 1013, which extends
the time within which a right may be exercised or an act may be done,
does not apply to a notice of motion, papers opposing a motion, or
reply papers governed by this section. All papers opposing a motion
so noticed shall be filed with the court and a copy served on each
party at least nine court days, and all reply papers at least five
court days before the hearing.
The court, or a judge thereof, may prescribe a shorter time.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, all
papers opposing a motion and all reply papers shall be served by
personal delivery, facsimile transmission, express mail, or other
means consistent with Sections 1010, 1011, 1012, and 1013, and
reasonably calculated to ensure delivery to the other party or
parties not later than the close of the next business day after the
time the opposing papers or reply papers, as applicable, are filed.
This subdivision applies to the service of opposition and reply
papers regarding motions for summary judgment or summary
adjudication, in addition to the motions listed in subdivision (a).
The court, or a judge thereof, may prescribe a shorter time.
1011. The service may be personal, by delivery to the party or
attorney on whom the service is required to be made, or it may be as
follows:
(a) If upon an attorney, service may be made at the attorney's
office, by leaving the notice or other papers in an envelope or
package clearly labeled to identify the attorney being served, with a
receptionist or with a person having charge thereof. When there is
no person in the office with whom the notice or papers may be left
for purposes of this subdivision at the time service is to be
effected, service may be made by leaving them between the hours of
nine in the morning and five in the afternoon, in a conspicuous place
in the office, or, if the attorney's office is not open so as to
admit of that service, then service may be made by leaving the notice
or papers at the attorney's residence, with some person of not less
than 18 years of age, if the attorney's residence is in the same
county with his or her office, and, if the attorney's residence is
not known or is not in the same county with his or her office, or
being in the same county it is not open, or a person 18 years of age
or older cannot be found at the attorney's residence, then service
may be made by putting the notice or papers, enclosed in a sealed
envelope, into the post office or a mail box, subpost office,
substation, or mail chute or other like facility regularly maintained
by the Government of the United States directed to the attorney at
his or her office, if known and otherwise to the attorney's
residence, if known. If neither the attorney's office nor residence
is known, service may be made by delivering the notice or papers to
the address of the attorney or party of record as designated on the
court papers, or by delivering the notice or papers to the clerk of
the court, for the attorney.
(b) If upon a party, service shall be made in the manner
specifically provided in particular cases, or, if no specific
provision is made, service may be made by leaving the notice or other
paper at the party's residence, between the hours of eight in the
morning and six in the evening, with some person of not less than 18
years of age. If at the time of attempted service between those hours
a person 18 years of age or older cannot be found at the party's
residence, the notice or papers may be served by mail. If the party's
residence is not known, then service may be made by delivering the
notice or papers to the clerk of the court, for that party.
1013. (a) In case of service by mail, the notice or other paper
shall be deposited in a post office, mailbox, subpost office,
substation, or mail chute, or other like facility regularly
maintained by the United States Postal Service, in a sealed envelope,
with postage paid, addressed to the person on whom it is to be
served, at the office address as last given by that person on any
document filed in the cause and served on the party making service by
mail; otherwise at that party's place of residence. The service is
complete at the time of the deposit, but any period of notice and any
right or duty to do any act or make any response within any period
or on a date certain after the service of the document, which time
period or date is prescribed by statute or rule of court, shall be
extended five calendar days, upon service by mail, if the place of
address and the place of mailing is within the State of California,
10 calendar days if either the place of mailing or the place of
address is outside the State of California but within the United
States, and 20 calendar days if either the place of mailing or the
place of address is outside the United States, but the extension
shall not apply to extend the time for filing notice of intention to
move for new trial, notice of intention to move to vacate judgment
pursuant to Section 663a, or notice of appeal. This extension
applies in the absence of a specific exception provided for by this
section or other statute or rule of court.
(b) The copy of the notice or other paper served by mail pursuant
to this chapter shall bear a notation of the date and place of
mailing or be accompanied by an unsigned copy of the affidavit or
certificate of mailing.
(c) In case of service by Express Mail, the notice or other paper
must be deposited in a post office, mailbox, subpost office,
substation, or mail chute, or other like facility regularly
maintained by the United States Postal Service for receipt of Express
Mail, in a sealed envelope, with Express Mail postage paid,
addressed to the person on whom it is to be served, at the office
address as last given by that person on any document filed in the
cause and served on the party making service by Express Mail;
otherwise at that party's place of residence. In case of service by
another method of delivery providing for overnight delivery, the
notice or other paper must be deposited in a box or other facility
regularly maintained by the express service carrier, or delivered to
an authorized courier or driver authorized by the express service
carrier to receive documents, in an envelope or package designated by
the express service carrier with delivery fees paid or provided for,
addressed to the person on whom it is to be served, at the office
address as last given by that person on any document filed in the
cause and served on the party making service; otherwise at that party'
s place of residence. The service is complete at the time of the
deposit, but any period of notice and any right or duty to do any act
or make any response within any period or on a date certain after
the service of the document served by Express Mail or other method of
delivery providing for overnight delivery shall be extended by two
court days, but the extension shall not apply to extend the time for
filing notice of intention to move for new trial, notice of intention
to move to vacate judgment pursuant to Section 663a, or notice of
appeal. This extension applies in the absence of a specific
exception provided for by this section or other statute or rule of
court.
(d) The copy of the notice or other paper served by Express Mail
or another means of delivery providing for overnight delivery
pursuant to this chapter shall bear a notation of the date and place
of deposit or be accompanied by an unsigned copy of the affidavit or
certificate of deposit.
(e) Service by facsimile transmission shall be permitted only
where the parties agree and a written confirmation of that agreement
is made. The Judicial Council may adopt rules implementing the
service of documents by facsimile transmission and may provide a form
for the confirmation of the agreement required by this subdivision.
In case of service by facsimile transmission, the notice or other
paper must be transmitted to a facsimile machine maintained by the
person on whom it is served at the facsimile machine telephone number
as last given by that person on any document which he or she has
filed in the cause and served on the party making the service. The
service is complete at the time of transmission, but any period of
notice and any right or duty to do any act or make any response
within any period or on a date certain after the service of the
document, which time period or date is prescribed by statute or rule
of court, shall be extended, after service by facsimile transmission,
by two court days, but the extension shall not apply to extend the
time for filing notice of intention to move for new trial, notice of
intention to move to vacate judgment pursuant to Section 663a, or
notice of appeal. This extension applies in the absence of a
specific exception provided for by this section or other statute or
rule of court.
(f) The copy of the notice or other paper served by facsimile
transmission pursuant to this chapter shall bear a notation of the
date and place of transmission and the facsimile telephone number to
which transmitted or be accompanied by an unsigned copy of the
affidavit or certificate of transmission which shall contain the
facsimile telephone number to which the notice or other paper was
transmitted.
(g) Subdivisions (b), (d), and (f) are directory.
1019.5. (a) When a motion is granted or denied, unless the court
otherwise orders, notice of the court's decision or order shall be
given by the prevailing party to all other parties or their
attorneys, in the manner provided in this chapter, unless notice is
waived by all parties in open court and is entered in the minutes.
(b) When a motion is granted or denied on the court's own motion,
notice of the court's order shall be given by the court in the manner
provided in this chapter, unless notice is waived by all parties in
open court and is entered in the minutes.
1021. Except as attorney's fees are specifically provided for by
statute, the measure and mode of compensation of attorneys and
counselors at law is left to the agreement, express or implied, of
the parties; but parties to actions or proceedings are entitled to
their costs, as hereinafter provided.
1032. (a) As used in this section, unless the context clearly
requires otherwise:
(1) "Complaint" includes a cross-complaint.
(2) "Defendant" includes a cross-defendant or a person against
whom a complaint is filed.
(3) "Plaintiff" includes a cross-complainant or a party who files
a complaint in intervention.
(4) "Prevailing party" includes the party with a net monetary
recovery, a defendant in whose favor a dismissal is entered, a
defendant where neither plaintiff nor defendant obtains any relief,
and a defendant as against those plaintiffs who do not recover any
relief against that defendant. When any party recovers other than
monetary relief and in situations other than as specified, the
"prevailing party" shall be as determined by the court, and under
those circumstances, the court, in its discretion, may allow costs or
not and, if allowed may apportion costs between the parties on the
same or adverse sides pursuant to rules adopted under Section 1034.
(b) Except as otherwise expressly provided by statute, a
prevailing party is entitled as a matter of right to recover costs in
any action or proceeding.
(c) Nothing in this section shall prohibit parties from
stipulating to alternative procedures for awarding costs in the
litigation pursuant to rules adopted under Section 1034.
1033. (a) Costs or any portion of claimed costs shall be as
determined by the court in its discretion in a case other than a
limited civil case in accordance with Section 1034 where the
prevailing party recovers a judgment that could have been rendered in
a limited civil case.
(b) When a prevailing plaintiff in a limited civil case recovers
less than the amount prescribed by law as the maximum limitation upon
the jurisdiction of the small claims court, the following shall
apply:
(1) When the party could have brought the action in the small
claims division but did not do so, the court may, in its discretion,
allow or deny costs to the prevailing party, or may allow costs in
part in any amount as it deems proper.
(2) When the party could not have brought the action in the small
claims court, costs and necessary disbursements shall be limited to
the actual cost of the filing fee, the actual cost of service of
process, and, when otherwise specifically allowed by law, reasonable
attorneys' fees. However, those costs shall only be awarded to the
plaintiff if the court is satisfied that prior to the commencement of
the action, the plaintiff informed the defendant in writing of the
intended legal action against the defendant and that legal action
could result in a judgment against the defendant that would include
the costs and necessary disbursements allowed by this paragraph.
1033.5. (a) The following items are allowable as costs under
Section 1032:
(1) Filing, motion, and jury fees.
(2) Juror food and lodging while they are kept together during
trial and after the jury retires for deliberation.
(3) Taking, videotaping, and transcribing necessary depositions
including an original and one copy of those taken by the claimant and
one copy of depositions taken by the party against whom costs are
allowed, and travel expenses to attend depositions.
(4) Service of process by a public officer, registered process
server, or other means, as follows:
(A) When service is by a public officer, the recoverable cost is
the fee authorized by law at the time of service.
(B) If service is by a process server registered pursuant to
Chapter 16 (commencing with Section 22350) of Division 8 of the
Business and Professions Code, the recoverable cost is the amount
actually incurred in effecting service, including, but not limited
to, a stakeout or other means employed in locating the person to be
served, unless such charges are successfully challenged by a party to
the action.
(C) When service is by publication, the recoverable cost is the
sum actually incurred in effecting service.
(D) When service is by a means other than that set forth in
subparagraph (A), (B) or (C), the recoverable cost is the lesser of
the sum actually incurred, or the amount allowed to a public officer
in this state for such service, except that the court may allow the
sum actually incurred in effecting service upon application pursuant
to paragraph (4) of subdivision (c).
(5) Expenses of attachment including keeper's fees.
(6) Premiums on necessary surety bonds.
(7) Ordinary witness fees pursuant to Section 68093 of the
Government Code.
(8) Fees of expert witnesses ordered by the court.
(9) Transcripts of court proceedings ordered by the court.
(10) Attorney fees, when authorized by any of the following:
(A) Contract.
(B) Statute.
(C) Law.
(11) Court reporters fees as established by statute.
(12) Models and blowups of exhibits and photocopies of exhibits
may be allowed if they were reasonably helpful to aid the trier of
fact.
(13) Any other item that is required to be awarded to the
prevailing party pursuant to statute as an incident to prevailing in
the action at trial or on appeal.
(b) The following items are not allowable as costs, except when
expressly authorized by law:
(1) Fees of experts not ordered by the court.
(2) Investigation expenses in preparing the case for trial.
(3) Postage, telephone, and photocopying charges, except for
exhibits.
(4) Costs in investigation of jurors or in preparation for voir
dire.
(5) Transcripts of court proceedings not ordered by the court.
(c) Any award of costs shall be subject to the following:
(1) Costs are allowable if incurred, whether or not paid.
(2) Allowable costs shall be reasonably necessary to the conduct
of the litigation rather than merely convenient or beneficial to its
preparation.
(3) Allowable costs shall be reasonable in amount.
(4) Items not mentioned in this section and items assessed upon
application may be allowed or denied in the court's discretion.
(5) When any statute of this state refers to the award of "costs
and attorney's fees," attorney's fees are an item and component of
the costs to be awarded and are allowable as costs pursuant to
subparagraph (B) of paragraph (10) of subdivision (a). Any claim not
based upon the court's established schedule of attorney's fees for
actions on a contract shall bear the burden of proof. Attorney's
fees allowable as costs pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph
(10) of subdivision (a) may be fixed as follows: (A) upon a noticed
motion, (B) at the time a statement of decision is rendered, (C) upon
application supported by affidavit made concurrently with a claim
for other costs, or (D) upon entry of default judgment. Attorney's
fees allowable as costs pursuant to subparagraph (A) or (C) of
paragraph (10) of subdivision (a) shall be fixed either upon a
noticed motion or upon entry of a default judgment, unless otherwise
provided by stipulation of the parties.
Attorney's fees awarded pursuant to Section 1717 of the Civil Code
are allowable costs under Section 1032 as authorized by subparagraph
(A) of paragraph (10) of subdivision (a).
1034.5. In unlawful detainer proceedings, the plaintiff who
recovers judgment for possession of premises, and who advances or
pays to the sheriff or marshal the expenses required for the
eviction of any persons in possession or occupancy of the premises
and the personal property of such persons, shall, after being advised
by the sheriff or marshal of the exact amount necessarily used and
expended to effect the eviction, be allowed to file a request for the
same pursuant to rules adopted by the Judicial Council.
1159. Every person is guilty of a forcible entry who either:
1. By breaking open doors, windows, or other parts of a house, or
by any kind of violence or circumstance of terror enters upon or into
any real property; or,
2. Who, after entering peaceably upon real property, turns out by
force, threats, or menacing conduct, the party in possession.
The "party in possession" means any person who hires real property
and includes a boarder or lodger, except those persons whose
occupancy is described in subdivision (b) of Section 1940 of the
Civil Code.
1160. Every person is guilty of a forcible detainer who either:
1. By force, or by menaces and threats of violence, unlawfully
holds and keeps the possession of any real property, whether the same
was acquired peaceably or otherwise; or,
2. Who, in the night-time, or during the absence of the occupant
of any lands, unlawfully enters upon real property, and who, after
demand made for the surrender thereof, for the period of five days,
refuses to surrender the same to such former occupant.
The occupant of real property, within the meaning of this
subdivision, is one who, within five days preceding such unlawful
entry, was in the peaceable and undisturbed possession of such lands.
1161. A tenant of real property, for a term less than life, or the
executor or administrator of his or her estate heretofore qualified
and now acting or hereafter to be qualified and act, is guilty of
unlawful detainer:
1. When he or she continues in possession, in person or by
subtenant, of the property, or any part thereof, after the expiration
of the term for which it is let to him or her; provided the
expiration is of a nondefault nature however brought about without
the permission of his or her landlord, or the successor in estate of
his or her landlord, if applicable; including the case where the
person to be removed became the occupant of the premises as a
servant, employee, agent, or licensee and the relation of master and
servant, or employer and employee, or principal and agent, or
licensor and licensee, has been lawfully terminated or the time fixed
for occupancy by the agreement between the parties has expired; but
nothing in this subdivision shall be construed as preventing the
removal of the occupant in any other lawful manner; but in case of a
tenancy at will, it must first be terminated by notice, as
prescribed in the Civil Code.
2. When he or she continues in possession, in person or by
subtenant, without the permission of his or her landlord, or the
successor in estate of his or her landlord, if applicable, after
default in the payment of rent, pursuant to the lease or agreement
under which the property is held, and three days' notice, in writing,
requiring its payment, stating the amount which is due, the name,
telephone number, and address of the person to whom the rent payment
shall be made, and, if payment may be made personally, the usual days
and hours that person will be available to receive the payment (provided that, if the address does not allow for personal delivery, then it shall be conclusively presumed that upon the mailing of any
rent or notice to the owner by the tenant to the name and address
provided, the notice or rent is deemed received by the owner on the
date posted, if the tenant can show proof of mailing to the name and
address provided by the owner), or the number of an account in a
financial institution into which the rental payment may be made, and
the name and street address of the institution (provided that the
institution is located within five miles of the rental property), or
if an electronic funds transfer procedure has been previously
established, that payment may be made pursuant to that procedure, or
possession of the property, shall have been served upon him or her
and if there is a subtenant in actual occupation of the premises,
also upon the subtenant.
The notice may be served at any time within one year after the
rent becomes due. In all cases of tenancy upon agricultural lands,
where the tenant has held over and retained possession for more than
60 days after the expiration of the term without any demand of
possession or notice to quit by the landlord or the successor in
estate of his or her landlord, if applicable, he or she shall be
deemed to be holding by permission of the landlord or successor in
estate of his or her landlord, if applicable, and shall be entitled
to hold under the terms of the lease for another full year, and shall
not be guilty of an unlawful detainer during that year, and the
holding over for that period shall be taken and construed as a
consent on the part of a tenant to hold for another year.
3. When he or she continues in possession, in person or by
subtenant, after a neglect or failure to perform other conditions or
covenants of the lease or agreement under which the property is held,
including any covenant not to assign or sublet, than the one for the
payment of rent, and three days' notice, in writing, requiring the
performance of such conditions or covenants, or the possession of the
property, shall have been served upon him or her, and if there is a
subtenant in actual occupation of the premises, also, upon the
subtenant. Within three days after the service of the notice, the
tenant, or any subtenant in actual occupation of the premises, or any
mortgagee of the term, or other person interested in its
continuance, may perform the conditions or covenants of the lease or
pay the stipulated rent, as the case may be, and thereby save the
lease from forfeiture; provided, if the conditions and covenants of
the lease, violated by the lessee, cannot afterward be performed,
then no notice, as last prescribed herein, need be given to the
lessee or his or her subtenant, demanding the performance of the
violated conditions or covenants of the lease.
A tenant may take proceedings, similar to those prescribed in this
chapter, to obtain possession of the premises let to a subtenant or
held by a servant, employee, agent, or licensee, in case of his or
her unlawful detention of the premises underlet to him or her or held
by him or her.
4. Any tenant, subtenant, or executor or administrator of his or
her estate heretofore qualified and now acting, or hereafter to be
qualified and act, assigning or subletting or committing waste upon
the demised premises, contrary to the conditions or covenants of his
or her lease, or maintaining, committing, or permitting the
maintenance or commission of a nuisance upon the demised premises or
using the premises for an unlawful purpose, thereby terminates the
lease, and the landlord, or his or her successor in estate, shall
upon service of three days' notice to quit upon the person or persons
in possession, be entitled to restitution of possession of the
demised premises under this chapter. For purposes of this
subdivision, a person who commits an offense included in paragraph
(1) of subdivision (c) of Section 11571.1 of the Health and Safety
Code, or subdivision (c) of Section 3485 of the Civil Code, or uses
the premises to further the purpose of that offense shall be deemed
to have committed a nuisance upon the premises.
5. When he or she gives written notice as provided in Section 1946
of the Civil Code of his or her intention to terminate the hiring of
the real property, or makes a written offer to surrender which is
accepted in writing by the landlord, but fails to deliver possession
at the time specified in that written notice, without the permission
of his or her landlord, or the successor in estate of the landlord,
if applicable.
As used in this section, tenant includes any person who hires real
property except those persons whose occupancy is described in
subdivision (b) of Section 1940 of the Civil Code.
1161a. (a) As used in this section:
(1) "Manufactured home" has the same meaning as provided in
Section 18007 of the Health and Safety Code.
(2) "Mobilehome" has the same meaning as provided in Section 18008
of the Health and Safety Code.
(3) "Floating home" has the same meaning as provided in
subdivision (d) of Section 18075.55 of the Health and Safety Code.
(b) In any of the following cases, a person who holds over and
continues in possession of a manufactured home, mobilehome, floating
home, or real property after a three-day written notice to quit the
property has been served upon the person, or if there is a subtenant
in actual occupation of the premises, also upon such subtenant, as
prescribed in Section 1162, may be removed therefrom as prescribed in
this chapter:
(1) Where the property has been sold pursuant to a writ of
execution against such person, or a person under whom such person
claims, and the title under the sale has been duly perfected.
(2) Where the property has been sold pursuant to a writ of sale,
upon the foreclosure by proceedings taken as prescribed in this code
of a mortgage, or under an express power of sale contained therein,
executed by such person, or a person under whom such person claims,
and the title under the foreclosure has been duly perfected.
(3) Where the property has been sold in accordance with Section
2924 of the Civil Code, under a power of sale contained in a deed of
trust executed by such person, or a person under whom such person
claims, and the title under the sale has been duly perfected.
(4) Where the property has been sold by such person, or a person
under whom such person claims, and the title under the sale has been
duly perfected.
(5) Where the property has been sold in accordance with Section
18037.5 of the Health and Safety Code under the default provisions of
a conditional sale contract or security agreement executed by such
person, or a person under whom such person claims, and the title
under the sale has been duly perfected.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (b), a tenant or
subtenant in possession of a rental housing unit which has been sold
by reason of any of the causes enumerated in subdivision (b), who
rents or leases the rental housing unit either on a periodic basis
from week to week, month to month, or other interval, or for a fixed
period of time, shall be given written notice to quit pursuant to
Section 1162, at least as long as the term of hiring itself but not
exceeding 30 days, before the tenant or subtenant may be removed
therefrom as prescribed in this chapter.
(d) For the purpose of subdivision (c), "rental housing unit"
means any structure or any part thereof which is rented or offered
for rent for residential occupancy in this state.
1161.1. With respect to application of Section 1161 in cases of
possession of commercial real property after default in the payment
of rent:
(a) If the amount stated in the notice provided to the tenant
pursuant to subdivision (2) of Section 1161 is clearly identified by
the notice as an estimate and the amount claimed is not in fact
correct, but it is determined upon the trial or other judicial
determination that rent was owing, and the amount claimed in the
notice was reasonably estimated, the tenant shall be subject to
judgment for possession and the actual amount of rent and other sums
found to be due. However, if (1) upon receipt of such a notice
claiming an amount identified by the notice as an estimate, the
tenant tenders to the landlord within the time for payment required
by the notice, the amount which the tenant has reasonably estimated
to be due and (2) if at trial it is determined that the amount of
rent then due was the amount tendered by the tenant or a lesser
amount, the tenant shall be deemed the prevailing party for all
purposes. If the court determines that the amount so tendered by the
tenant was less than the amount due, but was reasonably estimated,
the tenant shall retain the right to possession if the tenant pays
to the landlord within five days of the effective date of the
judgment (1) the amount previously tendered if it had not been
previously accepted, (2) the difference between the amount tendered
and the amount determined by the court to be due, and (3) any other
sums as ordered by the court. (b) If the landlord accepts a partial payment of rent, including
any payment pursuant to subdivision (a), after serving notice
pursuant to Section 1161, the landlord, without any further notice to
the tenant, may commence and pursue an action under this chapter to
recover the difference between the amount demanded in that notice and
the payment actually received, and this shall be specified in the
complaint. (c) If the landlord accepts a partial payment of rent after filing
the complaint pursuant to Section 1166, the landlord's acceptance of
the partial payment is evidence only of that payment, without waiver
of any rights or defenses of any of the parties. The landlord shall
be entitled to amend the complaint to reflect the partial payment
without creating a necessity for the filing of an additional answer
or other responsive pleading by the tenant, and without prior leave
of court, and such an amendment shall not delay the matter from
proceeding. However, this subdivision shall apply only if the
landlord provides actual notice to the tenant that acceptance of the
partial rent payment does not constitute a waiver of any rights,
including any right the landlord may have to recover possession of
the property.
(d) "Commercial real property" as used in this section, means all
real property in this state except dwelling units made subject to
Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 1940) of Title 5 of Part 4 of
Division 3 of the Civil Code, mobilehomes as defined in Section
798.3 of the Civil Code, or recreational vehicles as defined in
Section 799.24 of the Civil Code. (e) For the purposes of this section, there is a presumption
affecting the burden of proof that the amount of rent claimed or
tendered is reasonably estimated if, in relation to the amount
determined to be due upon the trial or other judicial determination
of that issue, the amount claimed or tendered was no more than 20
percent more or less than the amount determined to be due. However,
if the rent due is contingent upon information primarily within the
knowledge of the one party to the lease and that information has not
been furnished to, or has not accurately been furnished to, the other
party, the court shall consider that fact in determining the
reasonableness of the amount of rent claimed or tendered pursuant to
subdivision (a).
1162. The notices required by Sections 1161 and 1161a may be
served, either:
1. By delivering a copy to the tenant personally; or,
2. If he or she is absent from his or her place of residence, and
from his or her usual place of business, by leaving a copy with some
person of suitable age and discretion at either place, and sending a
copy through the mail addressed to the tenant at his or her place of
residence; or,
3. If such place of residence and business can not be ascertained,
or a person of suitable age or discretion there can not be found,
then by affixing a copy in a conspicuous place on the property, and
also delivering a copy to a person there residing, if such person can
be found; and also sending a copy through the mail addressed to the
tenant at the place where the property is situated. Service upon a
subtenant may be made in the same manner.
1164. No person other than the tenant of the premises and
subtenant, if there be one, in the actual occupation of the premises
when the complaint is filed, need be made parties defendant in the
proceeding, nor shall any proceeding abate, nor the plaintiff be
nonsuited for the nonjoinder of any person who might have been made
party defendant, but when it appears that any of the parties served
with process, or appearing in the proceeding, are guilty of the
offense charged, judgment must be rendered against him or her. In
case a defendant has become a subtenant of the premises in
controversy, after the service of the notice provided for by
subdivision 2 of Section 1161 of this code, upon the tenant of the
premises, the fact that such notice was not served on each subtenant
shall constitute no defense to the action. All persons who enter the
premises under the tenant, after the commencement of the suit, shall
be bound by the judgment, the same as if he or they had been made
party to the action.
1165. Except as provided in the preceding section, the provisions
of Part II of this Code, relating to parties to civil actions, are
applicable to this proceeding.
1166. (a) The complaint shall:
(1) Be verified and include the typed or printed name of the
person verifying the complaint. (2) Set forth the facts on which the plaintiff seeks to recover.
(3) Describe the premises with reasonable certainty.
(4) If the action is based on paragraph (2) of Section 1161, state
the amount of rent in default.
(5) State specifically the method used to serve the defendant with
the notice or notices of termination upon which the complaint is
based. This requirement may be satisfied by using and completing all
items relating to service of the notice or notices in an appropriate
Judicial Council form complaint, or by attaching a proof of service
of the notice or notices of termination served on the defendant.
(b) The complaint may set forth any circumstances of fraud, force,
or violence that may have accompanied the alleged forcible entry or
forcible or unlawful detainer, and claim damages therefor.
(c) (1) In an action regarding residential property, the plaintiff
shall attach to the complaint the following:
(A) A copy of the notice or notices of termination served on the
defendant upon which the complaint is based. (B) A copy of any written lease or rental agreement regarding the
premises. Any addenda or attachments to the lease or written
agreement that form the basis of the complaint shall also be
attached. The documents required by this subparagraph are not
required to be attached if the complaint alleges any of the
following: (i) The lease or rental agreement is oral. (ii) A written lease or rental agreement regarding the premises is
not in the possession of the landlord or any agent or employee of
the landlord. (iii) An action based solely on subdivision (2) of Section 1161. (2) If the plaintiff fails to attach the documents required by
this subdivision, the court shall grant leave to amend the complaint
for a 5-day period in order to include the required attachments.
(d) Upon filing the complaint, a summons shall be issued thereon.
1166a. (a) Upon filing the complaint, the plaintiff may, upon
motion, have immediate possession of the premises by a writ of
possession of a manufactured home, mobilehome, or real property
issued by the court and directed to the sheriff of the county or
marshal, for execution, where it appears to the satisfaction of the
court, after a hearing on the motion, from the verified complaint and
from any affidavits filed or oral testimony given by or on behalf of
the parties, that the defendant resides out of state, has departed
from the state, cannot, after due diligence, be found within the
state, or has concealed himself or herself to avoid the service of
summons. The motion shall indicate that the writ applies to all
tenants, subtenants, if any, named claimants, if any, and any other
occupants of the premises.
(b) Written notice of the hearing on the motion shall be served on
the defendant by the plaintiff in accordance with the provisions of
Section 1011, and shall inform the defendant as follows: "You may
file affidavits on your own behalf with the court and may appear and
present testimony on your own behalf. However, if you fail to
appear, the plaintiff will apply to the court for a writ of
possession of a manufactured home, mobilehome, or real property."
(c) The plaintiff shall file an undertaking in a sum that shall be
fixed and determined by the judge, to the effect that, if the
plaintiff fails to recover judgment against the defendant for the
possession of the premises or if the suit is dismissed, the plaintiff
will pay to the defendant those damages, not to exceed the amount
fixed in the undertaking, as may be sustained by the defendant by
reason of that dispossession under the writ of possession of a
manufactured home, mobilehome, or real property.
(d) If, at the hearing on the motion, the findings of the court
are in favor of the plaintiff and against the defendant, an order
shall be entered for the immediate possession of the premises.
(e) The order for the immediate possession of the premises may be
enforced as provided in Division 3 (commencing with Section 712.010)
of Title 9 of Part 2.
(f) For the purposes of this section, references in Division 3 (commencing with Section 712.010) of Title 9 of Part 2 and in
subdivisions (e) to (m), inclusive, of Section 1174, to the "judgment
debtor" shall be deemed references to the defendant, to the
"judgment creditor" shall be deemed references to the plaintiff, and
to the "judgment of possession or sale of property" shall be deemed
references to an order for the immediate possession of the premises.
1167. The summons shall be in the form specified in Section 412.20
except that when the defendant is served, the defendant's response
shall be filed within five days, including Saturdays and Sundays but
excluding all other judicial holidays, after the complaint is served
upon him or her. If the last day for filing the response falls on a
Saturday or Sunday, the response period shall be extended to and
including the next court day.
In all other respects the summons shall be issued and served and
returned in the same manner as a summons in a civil action.
1167.3. In any action under this chapter, unless otherwise ordered
by the court for good cause shown, the time allowed the defendant to
answer the complaint, answer the complaint, if amended, or amend the
answer under paragraph (2), (3), (5), (6), or (7) of subdivision (a)
of Section 586 shall not exceed five days.
1167.4. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in any action
under this chapter:
(a) Where the defendant files a notice of motion as provided for
in subdivision (a) of Section 418.10, the time for making the motion
shall be not less than three days nor more than seven days after the
filing of the notice. (b) The service and filing of a notice of motion under subdivision
(a) shall extend the defendant's time to plead until five days after
service upon him of the written notice of entry of an order denying
his motion, except that for good cause shown the court may extend the
defendant's time to plead for an additional period not exceeding 15
days.
1167.5. Unless otherwise ordered by the court for good cause shown,
no extension of time allowed in any action under this chapter for
the causes specified in Section 1054 shall exceed 10 days without the
consent of the adverse party.
1169. If, at the time appointed, any defendant served with a
summons does not appear and defend, the clerk, upon written
application of the plaintiff and proof of the service of summons and
complaint, shall enter the default of any defendant so served, and,
if requested by the plaintiff, immediately shall enter judgment for
restitution of the premises and shall issue a writ of execution
thereon. The application for default judgment and the default
judgment shall include a place to indicate that the judgment includes
tenants, subtenants, if any, named claimants, if any, and any other
occupants of the premises. Thereafter, the plaintiff may apply to the
court for any other relief demanded in the complaint, including the
costs, against the defendant, or defendants, or against one or more
of the defendants.
1170. On or before the day fixed for his appearance, the defendant
may appear and answer or demur.
1170.5. (a) If the defendant appears pursuant to Section 1170,
trial of the proceeding shall be held not later than the 20th day
following the date that the request to set the time of the trial is
made. Judgment shall be entered thereon and, if the plaintiff
prevails, a writ of execution shall be issued immediately by the
court upon the request of the plaintiff.
(b) The court may extend the period for trial upon the agreement
of all of the parties. No other extension of the time for trial of
an action under this chapter may be granted unless the court, upon
its own motion or on motion of any party, holds a hearing and renders
a decision thereon as specified in subdivision (c). (c) If trial is not held within the time specified in this
section, the court, upon finding that there is a reasonable
probability that the plaintiff will prevail in the action, shall
determine the amount of damages, if any, to be suffered by the
plaintiff by reason of the extension, and shall issue an order
requiring the defendant to pay that amount into court as the rent
would have otherwise become due and payable or into an escrow
designated by the court for so long as the defendant remains in
possession pending the termination of the action.
The determination of the amount of the payment shall be based on
the plaintiff's verified statement of the contract rent for rental
payment, any verified objection thereto filed by the defendant, and
the oral or demonstrative evidence presented at the hearing. The
court's determination of the amount of damages shall include
consideration of any evidence, presented by the parties, embracing
the issue of diminution of value or any set off permitted by law. (d) If the defendant fails to make a payment ordered by the court,
trial of the action shall be held within 15 days of the date payment
was due. (e) Any cost for administration of an escrow account pursuant to
this section shall be recoverable by the prevailing party as part of
any recoverable cost in the action. (f) After trial of the action, the court shall determine the
distribution of the payment made into court or the escrow designated
by the court. (g) Where payments into court or the escrow designated by the
court are made pursuant to this section, the court may order that the
payments be invested in an insured interest-bearing account.
Interest on the account shall be allocated to the parties in the same
proportions as the original funds are allocated. (h) If any provision of this section or the application thereof to
any person or circumstances is held invalid, such invalidity shall
not affect other provisions or applications of the section which can
be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to
this end the provisions of this section are severable. (i) Nothing in this section shall be construed to abrogate or
interfere with the precedence given to the trial of criminal cases
over the trial of civil matters by Section 1050 of the Penal Code.
1170.5 1170.5. (a) If the defendant appears pursuant to Section 1170,
trial of the proceeding shall be held not later than the 20th day
following the date that the request to set the time of the trial is
made. Judgment shall be entered thereon and, if the plaintiff
prevails, a writ of execution shall be issued immediately by the
court upon the request of the plaintiff. (b) The court may extend the period for trial upon the agreement
of all of the parties. No other extension of the time for trial of
an action under this chapter may be granted unless the court, upon
its own motion or on motion of any party, holds a hearing and renders
a decision thereon as specified in subdivision (c). (c) If trial is not held within the time specified in this
section, the court, upon finding that there is a reasonable
probability that the plaintiff will prevail in the action, shall
determine the amount of damages, if any, to be suffered by the
plaintiff by reason of the extension, and shall issue an order
requiring the defendant to pay that amount into court as the rent
would have otherwise become due and payable or into an escrow
designated by the court for so long as the defendant remains in
possession pending the termination of the action.
The determination of the amount of the payment shall be based on
the plaintiff's verified statement of the contract rent for rental
payment, any verified objection thereto filed by the defendant, and
the oral or demonstrative evidence presented at the hearing. The
court's determination of the amount of damages shall include
consideration of any evidence, presented by the parties, embracing
the issue of diminution of value or any set off permitted by law. (d) If the defendant fails to make a payment ordered by the court,
trial of the action shall be held within 15 days of the date payment
was due. (e) Any cost for administration of an escrow account pursuant to
this section shall be recoverable by the prevailing party as part of
any recoverable cost in the action. (f) After trial of the action, the court shall determine the
distribution of the payment made into court or the escrow designated
by the court. (g) Where payments into court or the escrow designated by the
court are made pursuant to this section, the court may order that the
payments be invested in an insured interest-bearing account.
Interest on the account shall be allocated to the parties in the same
proportions as the original funds are allocated. (h) If any provision of this section or the application thereof to
any person or circumstances is held invalid, such invalidity shall
not affect other provisions or applications of the section which can
be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to
this end the provisions of this section are severable. (i) Nothing in this section shall be construed to abrogate or
interfere with the precedence given to the trial of criminal cases
over the trial of civil matters by Section 1050 of the Penal Code.
1170.7. A motion for summary judgment may be made at any time after
the answer is filed upon giving five days notice. Summary judgment
shall be granted or denied on the same basis as a motion under
Section 437c.
1170.8. In any action under this chapter, a discovery motion may be
made at any time upon giving five days' notice.
1171. Whenever an issue of fact is presented by the pleadings, it
must be tried by a jury, unless such jury be waived as in other
cases. The jury shall be formed in the same manner as other trial
juries in an action of the same jurisdictional classification in the
Court in which the action is pending.
1173. When, upon the trial of any proceeding under this chapter, it
appears from the evidence that the defendant has been guilty of
either a forcible entry or a forcible or unlawful detainer, and other
than the offense charged in the complaint, the Judge must order that
such complaint be forthwith amended to conform to such proofs; such
amendment must be made without any imposition of terms. No
continuance shall be permitted upon account of such amendment unless
the defendant, by affidavit filed, shows to the satisfaction of the
Court good cause therefor.
1174. (a) If upon the trial, the verdict of the jury, or, if the
case be tried without a jury, the findings of the court be in favor
of the plaintiff and against the defendant, judgment shall be entered
for the possession of the premises; and if the proceedings be for an
unlawful detainer after neglect, or failure to perform the
conditions or covenants of the lease or agreement under which the
property is held, or after default in the payment of rent, the
judgment shall also declare the forfeiture of that lease or agreement
if the notice required by Section 1161 states the election of the
landlord to declare the forfeiture thereof, but if that notice does
not so state that election, the lease or agreement shall not be
forfeited.
Except as provided in Section 1166a, in any action for unlawful
detainer brought by a petroleum distributor against a gasoline
dealer, possession shall not be restored to the petroleum distributor
unless the court in the unlawful detainer action determines that the
petroleum distributor had good cause under Section 20999.1 of the
Business and Professions Code to terminate, cancel, or refuse to
renew the franchise of the gasoline dealer.
In any action for unlawful detainer brought by a petroleum
distributor against the gasoline dealer, the court may, at the time
of request of either party, require the tenant to make rental
payments into the court, for the lessor, at the contract rate,
pending the resolution of the action.
(b) The jury or the court, if the proceedings be tried without a
jury, shall also assess the damages occasioned to the plaintiff by
any forcible entry, or by any forcible or unlawful detainer, alleged
in the complaint and proved on the trial, and find the amount of any
rent due, if the alleged unlawful detainer be after default in the
payment of rent. If the defendant is found guilty of forcible entry,
or forcible or unlawful detainer, and malice is shown, the plaintiff
may be awarded statutory damages of up to six hundred dollars ($600), in addition to actual damages, including rent found due. The
trier of fact shall determine whether actual damages, statutory
damages, or both, shall be awarded, and judgment shall be entered
accordingly.
(c) When the proceeding is for an unlawful detainer after default
in the payment of rent, and the lease or agreement under which the
rent is payable has not by its terms expired, and the notice required
by Section 1161 has not stated the election of the landlord to
declare the forfeiture thereof, the court may, and, if the lease or
agreement is in writing, is for a term of more than one year, and
does not contain a forfeiture clause, shall order that a writ shall
not be issued to enforce the judgment until the expiration of five
days after the entry of the judgment, within which time the tenant,
or any subtenant, or any mortgagee of the term, or any other party
interested in its continuance, may pay into the court, for the
landlord, the amount found due as rent, with interest thereon, and
the amount of the damages found by the jury or the court for the
unlawful detainer, and the costs of the proceedings, and thereupon
the judgment shall be satisfied and the tenant be restored to the
tenant's estate. If payment as provided in this subdivision is not
made within five days, the judgment may be enforced for its full
amount and for the possession of the premises. In all other cases
the judgment may be enforced immediately.
(d) Subject to subdivision (c), the judgment for possession of the
premises may be enforced as provided in Division 3 (commencing with
Section 712.010) of Title 9 of Part 2.
(e) Personal property remaining on the premises which the landlord
reasonably believes to have been lost shall be disposed of pursuant
to Article 1 (commencing with Section 2080) of Chapter 4 of Title 6
of Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code. The landlord is not
liable to the owner of any property which is disposed of in this
manner. If the appropriate police or sheriff's department refuses to
accept that property, it shall be deemed not to have been lost for
the purposes of this subdivision. (f) The landlord shall give notice pursuant to Section 1983 of the
Civil Code to any person (other than the tenant) reasonably believed
by the landlord to be the owner of personal property remaining on
the premises unless the procedure for surrender of property under
Section 1965 of the Civil Code has been initiated or completed. (g) The landlord shall store the personal property in a place of
safekeeping until it is either released pursuant to subdivision (h)
or disposed of pursuant to subdivision (i). (h) The landlord shall release the personal property pursuant to
Section 1965 of the Civil Code or shall release it to the tenant or,
at the landlord's option, to a person reasonably believed by the
landlord to be its owner if the tenant or other person pays the costs
of storage as provided in Section 1990 of the Civil Code and claims
the property not later than the date specified in the writ of
possession before which the tenant must make his or her claim or the
date specified in the notice before which a person other than the
tenant must make his or her claim. (i) Personal property not released pursuant to subdivision (h)
shall be disposed of pursuant to Section 1988 of the Civil Code. (j) Where the landlord releases personal property to the tenant
pursuant to subdivision (h), the landlord is not liable with respect
to that property to any person. (k) Where the landlord releases personal property pursuant to
subdivision (h) to a person (other than the tenant) reasonably
believed by the landlord to be its owner, the landlord is not liable
with respect to that property to: (1) The tenant or to any person to whom notice was given pursuant
to subdivision (f); or (2) Any other person, unless that person proves that, prior to
releasing the property, the landlord believed or reasonably should
have believed that the person had an interest in the property and
also that the landlord knew or should have known upon reasonable
investigation the address of that person. (l) Where personal property is disposed of pursuant to Section
1988 of the Civil Code, the landlord is not liable with respect to
that property to: (1) The tenant or to any person to whom notice was given pursuant
to subdivision (f); or (2) Any other person, unless that person proves that, prior to
disposing of the property pursuant to Section 1988 of the Civil Code,
the landlord believed or reasonably should have believed that the
person had an interest in the property and also that the landlord
knew or should have known upon reasonable investigation the address
of that person. (m) For the purposes of subdivisions (e), (f), (h), (k), and (l),
the terms "owner," "premises," and "reasonable belief" have the same
meaning as provided in Section 1980 of the Civil Code.
1174.2. (a) In an unlawful detainer proceeding involving
residential premises after default in payment of rent and in which
the tenant has raised as an affirmative defense a breach of the
landlord's obligations under Section 1941 of the Civil Code or of any
warranty of habitability, the court shall determine whether a
substantial breach of these obligations has occurred. If the court
finds that a substantial breach has occurred, the court (1) shall
determine the reasonable rental value of the premises in its
untenantable state to the date of trial, (2) shall deny possession to
the landlord and adjudge the tenant to be the prevailing party,
conditioned upon the payment by the tenant of the rent that has
accrued to the date of the trial as adjusted pursuant to this
subdivision within a reasonable period of time not exceeding five
days, from the date of the court's judgment or, if service of the
court's judgment is made by mail, the payment shall be made within
the time set forth in Section 1013, (3) may order the landlord to
make repairs and correct the conditions which constitute a breach of
the landlord's obligations, (4) shall order that the monthly rent be
limited to the reasonable rental value of the premises as determined
pursuant to this subdivision until repairs are completed, and (5)
except as otherwise provided in subdivision (b), shall award the
tenant costs and attorneys' fees if provided by, and pursuant to, any
statute or the contract of the parties. If the court orders repairs
or corrections, or both, pursuant to paragraph (3), the court's
jurisdiction continues over the matter for the purpose of ensuring
compliance. The court shall, however, award possession of the
premises to the landlord if the tenant fails to pay all rent accrued
to the date of trial, as determined due in the judgment, within the
period prescribed by the court pursuant to this subdivision. The
tenant shall, however, retain any rights conferred by Section 1174.
(b) If the court determines that there has been no substantial
breach of Section 1941 of the Civil Code or of any warranty of
habitability by the landlord or if the tenant fails to pay all rent
accrued to the date of trial, as required by the court pursuant to
subdivision (a), then judgment shall be entered in favor of the
landlord, and the landlord shall be the prevailing party for the
purposes of awarding costs or attorneys' fees pursuant to any statute
or the contract of the parties. (c) As used in this section, "substantial breach" means the
failure of the landlord to comply with applicable building and
housing code standards which materially affect health and safety.
(d) Nothing in this section is intended to deny the tenant the
right to a trial by jury. Nothing in this section shall limit or
supersede any provision of Chapter 12.75 (commencing with Section
7060) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code.
1174.25. (a) Any occupant who is served with a prejudgment claim of
right to possession in accordance with Section 415.46 may file a
claim as prescribed in Section 415.46, with the court within 10 days
of the date of service of the prejudgment claim to right of
possession as shown on the return of service, which period shall
include Saturday and Sunday but excluding all other judicial
holidays. If the last day for filing the claim falls on a Saturday or
Sunday, the filing period shall be extended to and including the
next court day. Filing the prejudgment claim of right to possession
shall constitute a general appearance for which a fee shall be
collected as provided in Section 70614 of the Government Code.
Section 68511.3 of the Government Code applies to the prejudgment
claim of right to possession.
(b) At the time of filing, the claimant shall be added as a
defendant in the action for unlawful detainer and the clerk shall
notify the plaintiff that the claimant has been added as a defendant
in the action by mailing a copy of the claim filed with the court to
the plaintiff with a notation so indicating. The claimant shall
answer or otherwise respond to the summons and complaint within five
days, including Saturdays and Sundays but excluding all other
judicial holidays, after filing the prejudgment claim of possession.
Thereafter, the name of the claimant shall be added to any pleading,
filing or form filed in the action for unlawful detainer.
1174.3. (a) Unless a prejudgment claim of right to possession has
been served upon occupants in accordance with Section 415.46, any
occupant not named in the judgment for possession who occupied the
premises on the date of the filing of the action may object to
enforcement of the judgment against that occupant by filing a claim
of right to possession as prescribed in this section. A claim of
right to possession may be filed at any time after service or posting
of the writ of possession pursuant to subdivision (a) or (b) of
Section 715.020, up to and including the time at which the levying
officer returns to effect the eviction of those named in the judgment
of possession. Filing the claim of right to possession shall
constitute a general appearance for which a fee shall be collected as
provided in Section 70614 of the Government Code. Section 68511.3 of
the Government Code applies to the claim of right to possession. An
occupant or tenant who is named in the action shall not be required
to file a claim of right to possession to protect that occupant's
right to possession of the premises.
(b) The court issuing the writ of possession of real property
shall set a date or dates when the court will hold a hearing to
determine the validity of objections to enforcement of the judgment
specified in subdivision (a). An occupant of the real property for
which the writ is issued may make an objection to eviction to the
levying officer at the office of the levying officer or at the
premises at the time of the eviction.
If a claim of right to possession is completed and presented to
the sheriff, marshal, or other levying officer, the officer shall
forthwith (1) stop the eviction of occupants at the premises, and (2)
provide a receipt or copy of the completed claim of right of
possession to the claimant indicating the date and time the completed
form was received, and (3) deliver the original completed claim of
right to possession to the court issuing the writ of possession of
real property.
(c) A claim of right to possession is effected by any of the
following:
(1) Presenting a completed claim form in person with
identification to the sheriff, marshal, or other levying officer as
prescribed in this section, and delivering to the court within two
court days after its presentation, an amount equal to 15 days' rent
together with the appropriate fee or form for proceeding in forma
pauperis. Upon receipt of a claim of right to possession, the
sheriff, marshal, or other levying officer shall indicate thereon the
date and time of its receipt and forthwith deliver the original to
the issuing court and a receipt or copy of the claim to the claimant
and notify the plaintiff of that fact. Immediately upon receipt of an
amount equal to 15 days' rent and the appropriate fee or form for
proceeding in forma pauperis, the court shall file the claim of right
to possession and serve an endorsed copy with the notice of the
hearing date on the plaintiff and the claimant by first-class mail.
The court issuing the writ of possession shall set and hold a hearing
on the claim not less than five nor more than 15 days after the
claim is filed with the court.
(2) Presenting a completed claim form in person with
identification to the sheriff, marshal, or other levying officer as
prescribed in this section, and delivering to the court within two
court days after its presentation, the appropriate fee or form for
proceeding in forma pauperis without delivering the amount equivalent
to 15 days' rent. In this case, the court shall immediately set a
hearing on the claim to be held on the fifth day after the filing is
completed. The court shall notify the claimant of the hearing date at
the time the claimant completes the filing by delivering to the
court the appropriate fee or form for proceeding in forma pauperis,
and shall notify the plaintiff of the hearing date by first-class
mail. Upon receipt of a claim of right to possession, the sheriff,
marshal, or other levying officer shall indicate thereon the date and
time of its receipt and forthwith deliver the original to the
issuing court and a receipt or copy of the claim to the claimant and
notify the plaintiff of that fact.
(d) At the hearing, the court shall determine whether there is a
valid claim of possession by the claimant who filed the claim, and
the court shall consider all evidence produced at the hearing,
including, but not limited to, the information set forth in the
claim. The court may determine the claim to be valid or invalid based
upon the evidence presented at the hearing. The court shall
determine the claim to be invalid if the court determines that the
claimant is an invitee, licensee, guest, or trespasser. If the court
determines the claim is invalid, the court shall order the return to
the claimant of the amount of the 15 days' rent paid by the claimant,
if that amount was paid pursuant to paragraph (1) or (3) of
subdivision (c), less a pro rata amount for each day that enforcement
of the judgment was delayed by reason of making the claim of right
to possession, which pro rata amount shall be paid to the landlord.
If the court determines the claim is valid, the amount equal to 15
days' rent paid by the claimant shall be returned immediately to the
claimant.
(e) If, upon hearing, the court determines that the claim is
valid, then the court shall order further proceedings as follows:
(1) If the unlawful detainer is based upon a curable breach, and
the claimant was not previously served with a proper notice, if any
notice is required, then the required notice may at the plaintiff's
discretion be served on the claimant at the hearing or thereafter. If
the claimant does not cure the breach within the required time, then
a supplemental complaint may be filed and served on the claimant as
defendant if the plaintiff proceeds against the claimant in the same
action. For the purposes of this section only, service of the
required notice, if any notice is required, and of the supplemental
complaint may be made by first-class mail addressed to the claimant
at the subject premises or upon his or her attorney of record and, in
either case, Section 1013 shall otherwise apply. Further proceedings
on the merits of the claimant's continued right to possession after
service of the Summons and Supplemental Complaint as prescribed by
this subdivision shall be conducted pursuant to this chapter.
(2) In all other cases, the court shall deem the unlawful detainer
Summons and Complaint to be amended on their faces to include the
claimant as defendant, service of the Summons and Complaint, as thus
amended, may at the plaintiff's discretion be made at the hearing or
thereafter, and the claimant thus named and served as a defendant in
the action shall answer or otherwise respond within five days
thereafter.
(f) If a claim is made without delivery to the court of the
appropriate filing fee or a form for proceeding in forma pauperis, as
prescribed in this section, the claim shall be immediately deemed
denied and the court shall so order. Upon the denial of the claim,
the court shall immediately deliver an endorsed copy of the order to
the levying officer and shall serve an endorsed copy of the order on
the plaintiff and claimant by first-class mail.
(g) If the claim of right to possession is denied pursuant to
subdivision (f), or if the claimant fails to appear at the hearing
or, upon hearing, if the court determines that there are no valid
claims, or if the claimant does not prevail at a trial on the merits
of the unlawful detainer action, the court shall order the levying
officer to proceed with enforcement of the original writ of
possession of real property as deemed amended to include the
claimant, which shall be effected within a reasonable time not to
exceed five days. Upon receipt of the court's order, the levying
officer shall enforce the writ of possession of real property against
any occupant or occupants.
(h) The claim of right to possession shall be made on the
following form: [See Judicial Council form CP10]
1176. (a) An appeal taken by the defendant shall not automatically
stay proceedings upon the judgment. Petition for stay of the
judgment pending appeal shall first be directed to the judge before
whom it was rendered. Stay of judgment shall be granted when the
court finds that the moving party will suffer extreme hardship in the
absence of a stay and that the nonmoving party will not be
irreparably injured by its issuance. If the stay is denied by the
trial court, the defendant may forthwith file a petition for an
extraordinary writ with the appropriate appeals court. If the trial
or appellate court stays enforcement of the judgment, the court may
condition the stay on whatever conditions the court deems just, but
in any case it shall order the payment of the reasonable monthly
rental value to the court monthly in advance as rent would otherwise
become due as a condition of issuing the stay of enforcement. As
used in this subdivision, "reasonable rental value" means the
contract rent unless the rental value has been modified by the trial
court in which case that modified rental value shall be used.
(b) A new cause of action on the same agreement for the rental of
real property shall not be barred because of an appeal by any party.
1177. Except as otherwise provided in this Chapter the provisions
of Part II of this Code are applicable to, and constitute the rules
of practice in the proceedings mentioned in this Chapter.
1178. The provisions of Part 2 of this code, relative to new trials
and appeals, except insofar as they are inconsistent with the
provisions of this chapter or with rules adopted by the Judicial
Council, apply to the proceedings mentioned in this chapter.
1179. The court may relieve a tenant against a forfeiture of a
lease or rental agreement, whether written or oral, and whether or
not the tenancy has terminated, and restore him or her to his or her
former estate or tenancy, in case of hardship, as provided in Section
1174. The court has the discretion to relieve any person against
forfeiture on its own motion.
An application for relief against forfeiture may be made at any
time prior to restoration of the premises to the landlord. The
application may be made by a tenant or subtenant, or a mortgagee of
the term, or any person interested in the continuance of the term.
It must be made upon petition, setting forth the facts upon which the
relief is sought, and be verified by the applicant. Notice of the
application, with a copy of the petition, must be served at least
five days prior to the hearing on the plaintiff in the judgment, who
may appear and contest the application. Alternatively, a person
appearing without an attorney may make the application orally, if the
plaintiff either is present and has an opportunity to contest the
application, or has been given ex parte notice of the hearing and the
purpose of the oral application. In no case shall the application
or motion be granted except on condition that full payment of rent
due, or full performance of conditions or covenants stipulated, so
far as the same is practicable, be made.
1179a. In all proceedings brought to recover the possession of real property pursuant to the provisions of this chapter all courts, wherein such actions are or may hereafter be pending, shall give such actions precedence over all other civil actions therein, except actions to which special precedence is given by law, in the matter of the setting the same for hearing or trial, and in hearing the same, to the end that all such actions shall be quickly heard and determined.
1210. Every person dispossessed or ejected from any real property
by the judgment or process of any court of competent jurisdiction,
who, not having right so to do, reenters into or upon or takes
possession of the real property, or induces or procures any person
not having right so to do, or aids or abets such a person therein, is
guilty of a contempt of the court by which the judgment was rendered
or from which the process issued. Upon a conviction for contempt
the court must immediately issue an alias process, directed to the
proper officer, and requiring the officer to restore possession to
the party entitled under the original judgment or process, or to the
party's lessee, grantee, or successor in interest. No appeal from
the order directing the issuance of an alias writ of possession stays
the execution of the writ, unless an undertaking is executed on the
part of the appellant to the effect that the appellant will not
commit or suffer to be committed any waste on the property, and if
the order is affirmed, or the appeal dismissed, the appellant will
pay the value of the use and occupation of the property from the time
of the unlawful reentry until the delivery of the possession of the
property, pursuant to the judgment or order, not exceeding a sum to
be fixed by the judge of the court by which the order for the alias
writ was made.
2024.040. (a) The time limit on completing discovery in an action
to be arbitrated under Chapter 2.5 (commencing with Section 1141.10)
of Title 3 of Part 3 is subject to Judicial Council Rule. After an
award in a case ordered to judicial arbitration, completion of
discovery is limited by Section 1141.24.
(b) This chapter does not apply to either of the following:
(1) Summary proceedings for obtaining possession of real property
governed by Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 1159) of Title 3 of
Part 3. Except as provided in Sections 2024.050 and 2025.060,
discovery in these proceedings shall be completed on or before the
fifth day before the date set for trial.
(2) Eminent domain proceedings governed by Title 7 (commencing
with Section 1230.010) of Part 3.
2025.270. (a) An oral deposition shall be scheduled for a date at
least 10 days after service of the deposition notice.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), in an unlawful detainer
action or other proceeding under Chapter 4 (commencing with Section
1159) of Title 3 of Part 3, an oral deposition shall be scheduled for
a date at least five days after service of the deposition notice,
but not later than five days before trial.
(c) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) and (b), if, as defined in
Section 1985.3 or 1985.6, the party giving notice of the deposition
is a subpoenaing party, and the deponent is a witness commanded by a
deposition subpoena to produce personal records of a consumer or
employment records of an employee, the deposition shall be scheduled
for a date at least 20 days after issuance of that subpoena.
(d) On motion or ex parte application of any party or deponent,
for good cause shown, the court may shorten or extend the time for
scheduling a deposition, or may stay its taking until the
determination of a motion for a protective order under Section
2025.420.
2030.020. (a) A defendant may propound interrogatories to a party
to the action without leave of court at any time.
(b) A plaintiff may propound interrogatories to a party without
leave of court at any time that is 10 days after the service of the
summons on, or appearance by, that party, whichever occurs first.
(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (b), in an unlawful detainer
action or other proceeding under Chapter 4 (commencing with Section
1159) of Title 3 of Part 3, a plaintiff may propound interrogatories
to a party without leave of court at any time that is five days after
service of the summons on, or appearance by, that party, whichever
occurs first.
(d) Notwithstanding subdivisions (b) and (c), on motion with or
without notice, the court, for good cause shown, may grant leave to a
plaintiff to propound interrogatories at an earlier time.
2030.260. (a) Within 30 days after service of interrogatories, the
party to whom the interrogatories are propounded shall serve the
original of the response to them on the propounding party, unless on
motion of the propounding party the court has shortened the time for
response, or unless on motion of the responding party the court has
extended the time for response.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), in an unlawful detainer
action or other proceeding under Chapter 4 (commencing with Section
1159) of Title 3 of Part 3, the party to whom the interrogatories are
propounded shall have five days from the date of service to respond,
unless on motion of the propounding party the court has shortened
the time for response, or unless on motion of the responding party
the court has extended the time for response.
(c) The party to whom the interrogatories are propounded shall
also serve a copy of the response on all other parties who have
appeared in the action. On motion, with or without notice, the court
may relieve the party from this requirement on its determination that
service on all other parties would be unduly expensive or
burdensome.
2031.020. (a) A defendant may make a demand for inspection without
leave of court at any time.
(b) A plaintiff may make a demand for inspection without leave of
court at any time that is 10 days after the service of the summons
on, or appearance by, the party to whom the demand is directed,
whichever occurs first.
(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (b), in an unlawful detainer
action or other proceeding under Chapter 4 (commencing with Section
1159) of Title 3 of Part 3, a plaintiff may make a demand for
inspection without leave of court at any time that is five days after
service of the summons on, or appearance by, the party to whom the
demand is directed, whichever occurs first.
(d) Notwithstanding subdivisions (b) and (c), on motion with or
without notice, the court, for good cause shown, may grant leave to a
plaintiff to make an inspection demand at an earlier time.
2031.030. (a) A party demanding an inspection shall number each set
of demands consecutively.
(b) In the first paragraph immediately below the title of the
case, there shall appear the identity of the demanding party, the set
number, and the identity of the responding party.
(c) Each demand in a set shall be separately set forth, identified
by number or letter, and shall do all of the following:
(1) Designate the documents, tangible things, or land or other
property to be inspected either by specifically describing each
individual item or by reasonably particularizing each category of
item.
(2) Specify |