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Kern County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything California landlords need to file a Unlawful Detainer in Kern County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.

$385
Filing fee
3–5 weeks
Hearing wait
5–9 weeks
Total process
E-File ✓
Filing method

🏛️ Kern County Courthouse Information

⚠️ Kern County — What Landlords Should Know

Kern County is landlord-friendly relative to coastal California counties. Standard California unlawful detainer process applies.

Need an Eviction Attorney in Kern County?

Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Kern County eviction attorney — free consultation.

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Kern County

1

Serve the Required Notice

Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 3-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 3-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per California law.

2

File Your Unlawful Detainer at Kern County Courthouse

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Kern County Courthouse (1415 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301). The filing fee is $385. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service. Online filing is also available.

3

Serve the Summons on the Tenant

After filing, the court issues a summons. In Kern County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $35. You must NOT serve the summons yourself — improper service can get your case dismissed.

4

Attend the Court Hearing

Hearings in Kern County are typically scheduled 3–5 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.

5

Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The California Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in California.

Kern County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

Cost Amount Notes
Court Filing Fee $385 Paid to Kern County Clerk of Court
Summons Service $35 Sheriff or process server fee
Writ of Possession ~$30–$35 Sheriff enforcement after judgment
Attorney (optional) $750–$3000 Strongly recommended — strong tenant protections

Frequently Asked Questions — Kern County Evictions

How long does an eviction take in Kern County?

The typical Kern County eviction takes 5–9 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement — assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Kern County has stronger tenant protections that can extend the timeline.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Kern County?

The court filing fee in Kern County is $385. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($35), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$30–$35), and attorney fees if represented ($750–$3000). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $450–$455.

What court handles evictions in Kern County?

Evictions in Kern County are filed at the Kern County Courthouse, located at 1415 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301. The case type is filed as a Unlawful Detainer.

Can I file an eviction online in Kern County?

Yes, Kern County accepts electronic filing for eviction cases. You can file the complaint and pay fees online, though in-person service of process is still typically required.

Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Kern County?

California law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, Kern County has strong tenant protections, making procedural errors costly — an attorney is strongly recommended.

What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Kern County?

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Kern County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in California.

See full California eviction laws and notice requirements.

California Eviction Guide for Landlords →

Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in California.

California Eviction Notice Templates →

Is your tenant facing eviction in Kern County? See their rights.

Tenant Rights in Kern County →

Relevant California Statutes