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Sonoma County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything California landlords need to file a Unlawful Detainer in Sonoma 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

🏛️ Sonoma County Courthouse Information

⚠️ Sonoma County — What Landlords Should Know

Santa Rosa has a tenant protection program. Unincorporated Sonoma County follows California statewide rules.

Need an Eviction Attorney in Sonoma County?

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

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Sonoma 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 Sonoma County Superior Court

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Sonoma County Superior Court (600 Administration Dr., Santa Rosa, CA 95403). 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 Sonoma 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 Sonoma 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.

Sonoma County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

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

How long does an eviction take in Sonoma County?

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

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

The court filing fee in Sonoma 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 Sonoma County?

Evictions in Sonoma County are filed at the Sonoma County Superior Court, located at 600 Administration Dr., Santa Rosa, CA 95403. The case type is filed as a Unlawful Detainer.

Can I file an eviction online in Sonoma County?

Yes, Sonoma 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 Sonoma County?

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

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

Tenant Rights in Sonoma County →

Relevant California Statutes