Home › Landlords › California › San Diego County

San Diego County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything California landlords need to file a Unlawful Detainer in San Diego 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

🏛️ San Diego County Courthouse Information

⚠️ San Diego County — What Landlords Should Know

San Diego County follows California statewide tenant protection laws. The City of San Diego also has its own Just Cause eviction ordinance for eligible properties.

Need an Eviction Attorney in San Diego County?

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

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in San Diego 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 Hall of Justice

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Hall of Justice (330 W. Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101). The filing fee is $385. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service. Online filing is also available at https://www.sdcourt.ca.gov.

3

Serve the Summons on the Tenant

After filing, the court issues a summons. In San Diego 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 San Diego 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.

San Diego County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

Cost Amount Notes
Court Filing Fee $385 Paid to San Diego 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 — San Diego County Evictions

How long does an eviction take in San Diego County?

The typical San Diego 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. San Diego County has stronger tenant protections that can extend the timeline.

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

The court filing fee in San Diego 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 San Diego County?

Evictions in San Diego County are filed at the Hall of Justice, located at 330 W. Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101. The case type is filed as a Unlawful Detainer.

Can I file an eviction online in San Diego County?

Yes, San Diego County accepts electronic filing for eviction cases through https://www.sdcourt.ca.gov. 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 San Diego County?

California law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, San Diego 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 San Diego County?

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The San Diego 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 San Diego County? See their rights.

Tenant Rights in San Diego County →

Relevant California Statutes