New California law extends time for renters to respond to evictions

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Starting Jan. 1, 2025, a new California law will double the response time for tenants facing eviction, offering them more opportunity to seek legal advice and adequately prepare their cases. The law extends the response period from five business days to 10 business days.

Genea Nicole Wall, a tenant from City Heights, experienced the turmoil of eviction earlier this year after failing to pay her rent on time.

“You’re trying to pack up and trying to respond. You’re just all over the place. You’re emotionally all over the place,” Wall says.

Unlike most other court summons that allow for a 30-day response period, eviction notices in California have traditionally given tenants only five business days to act. Wall described her struggle to navigate the court system under these constraints.

“Going to court trying to get assistance… It was just a grueling task. Daunting trying to get stuff done,” she says.

The new state law is designed to provide tenants with more time to stabilize their situation and seek proper legal support.

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