Tight deadline: a California eviction answer is generally due 5 court days after you're served

Defend your eviction with the full packet, not just one form.

Most tenants need more than the answer alone. The Eviction Defense Filing Packet covers every form a California unlawful detainer defense actually requires, in one purchase. Self-help guided fill. You file it yourself.

$99 one-time, 30-day workspace, 4 forms
Just need the answer? UD-105 alone is $49.

What the packet covers

All four California Judicial Council forms a defending tenant typically files. AI-assisted intake, completeness review, and court-ready PDFs for each.

UD-105

Answer (Unlawful Detainer)

Your formal response to the landlord's complaint. Tells the court your defenses and the facts you dispute. The form everything else hangs off of.

POS-030

Proof of Service by First-Class Mail

Required to prove you mailed a copy of your filed UD-105 to the landlord (or landlord's attorney). Filed alongside your answer.

MC-025

Attachment (continuation page)

Used when your defenses or supporting statements don't fit on UD-105 page 2. Attaches as Attachment 3w / 3x / 3y to the parent answer.

FW-001

Request to Waive Court Fees

If you can't afford the filing fee (commonly $225-$370), file FW-001 alongside your answer to ask the court to waive it. Confidential.

How the packet flows

Step 1

Tell your story once

Why is your landlord trying to evict you? Names, addresses, case number. Information enters once, carries to every form.

Step 2

Fill UD-105 (the answer)

Pick defenses grounded in your facts. AI completeness review catches blockers before you print.

Step 3

Fill POS-030, MC-025, FW-001

Caption fields auto-fill from your UD-105 entries. Each form gets its own AI review tuned to that form's rules.

Step 4

Print, sign, file

Download court-ready PDFs. Sign in pen. File the originals at your courthouse and mail copies to the landlord per POS-030.

Get the packet

Eviction Defense Filing Packet

$99
One-time payment, 30-day workspace, 4 forms (UD-105, POS-030, MC-025, FW-001).

Secure payment via Stripe. By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

Important: Ezel is a self-help tool. Ezel is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. You are the filer. Review every form carefully before submitting it to the court, and consult a licensed attorney if you have questions about your case. For free legal help, contact your local legal aid office or court self-help center.

Frequently asked questions

Why a packet instead of just the answer?

Most tenants who file UD-105 also need POS-030 (to prove they served the landlord), and many need MC-025 (continuation page for defenses) or FW-001 (fee waiver). Buying the packet at $99 saves $90+ vs. paying for each form separately.

What's the deadline to file an answer in California?

Generally 5 court days after personal service, or 15 calendar days if you were served by mail. Check the eviction papers you received to confirm. Missing the deadline can lead to a default judgment under CCP 1169.

Do I have to fill all four forms?

No. UD-105 is the only required filing for the answer itself; POS-030 is required when you serve the landlord by mail. MC-025 is only used if your defenses overflow UD-105's page 2, and FW-001 is optional (but usually a good idea if money is tight).

Will I have to go to court?

Filing the answer is the first step. After your answer is filed, the case typically proceeds to a trial date set by the court. Filing the answer alone does not resolve the case; it preserves your right to be heard.

What does the 30-day workspace cover?

You can come back, edit your answers, re-render the PDFs, and download them again for 30 days from purchase. After that, your responses remain saved but you'll need to extend access to re-render.

Can I get a refund?

Because access is granted immediately on purchase, refunds are handled case-by-case. Email [email protected] if you need help.

Where can I get free legal help?

California legal aid: visit lawhelpca.org or your local court's self-help center. Eviction-defense clinics often offer free same-day help in many counties.