San Mateo County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)
Everything California landlords need to file a Unlawful Detainer in San Mateo County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.
🏛️ San Mateo County Courthouse Information
- Courthouse: Hall of Justice and Records
- Address: 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063
- Phone: (650) 261-5100
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Case type: Unlawful Detainer
- Online filing: Available
⚠️ San Mateo County — What Landlords Should Know
Several San Mateo County cities (San Mateo, East Palo Alto, Redwood City) have their own tenant protection ordinances.
Need an Eviction Attorney in San Mateo County?
Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local San Mateo County eviction attorney — free consultation.
Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in San Mateo County
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.
File Your Unlawful Detainer at Hall of Justice and Records
After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Hall of Justice and Records (400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063). The filing fee is $385. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service. Online filing is also available.
Serve the Summons on the Tenant
After filing, the court issues a summons. In San Mateo 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.
Attend the Court Hearing
Hearings in San Mateo 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.
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 Mateo County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $385 | Paid to San Mateo 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 Mateo County Evictions
How long does an eviction take in San Mateo County?
The typical San Mateo 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 Mateo County has stronger tenant protections that can extend the timeline.
How much does it cost to file an eviction in San Mateo County?
The court filing fee in San Mateo 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 Mateo County?
Evictions in San Mateo County are filed at the Hall of Justice and Records, located at 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063. The case type is filed as a Unlawful Detainer.
Can I file an eviction online in San Mateo County?
Yes, San Mateo 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 San Mateo County?
California law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, San Mateo 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 Mateo County?
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The San Mateo 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 Mateo County? See their rights.
Tenant Rights in San Mateo County →Relevant California Statutes
- Primary eviction statute: Cal. CCP § 1161
- This guide is for informational purposes only. Laws change — verify with current California statutes or a licensed San Mateo County attorney.