Answer to Unlawful Detainer / Eviction Complaint

ANSWER TO UNLAWFUL DETAINER / EVICTION COMPLAINT

Before use: Follow the summons and the selected court's current answer procedure. California directs tenants to form UD-105 or another permitted response; Texas justice court generally does not require a written answer except in specified procedures; New York City Housing Court permits an individual to answer orally or in writing. Florida: § 83.60(2) can require a court-registry rent deposit or motion to determine rent within a short period after service when a tenant raises a defense other than payment. Check the summons and current law immediately. This document must be adapted to the actual court and claim.

Court caption

[COURT NAME], [COUNTY], [STATE]
Case No.: [________________]
Answer to [EXACT COMPLAINT OR PETITION TITLE]

Defendant [FULL NAME] answers the [COMPLAINT / PETITION] dated [DATE] as follows:

Responses to the allegations

For each numbered allegation, state what is true, what is disputed, and what is genuinely unknown after reasonable inquiry. Add rows to match the pleading. Use the response form or wording required by the court. Do not make a general denial unless this court's rules permit it for this claim.

Defenses supported by facts and law

Defendant asserts only the following defenses that apply to the selected court, notice, tenancy, claim, and facts. State the source and facts for each. If none applies, remove this section rather than filing a list of unsupported defenses.

1. [DEFENSE NAME AND EXACT STATUTE, RULE, OR CONTROLLING LAW]. [FACTS, DATES, NOTICE OR PAYMENT HISTORY, AND HOW THOSE FACTS SATISFY EACH REQUIRED CONDITION]. Supporting documents: [EXHIBITS].

2. [SECOND DEFENSE, ONLY IF SUPPORTED]. [FACTS, DATES, AUTHORITY, AND EXHIBITS].

3. [ADDITIONAL DEFENSE, ONLY IF SUPPORTED]. [FACTS, DATES, AUTHORITY, AND EXHIBITS].

Defendant's response to any claim for unpaid rent, other money, possession, fees, or costs is [ITEMIZED FACTS AND DISPUTED AMOUNTS]. A payment, repair problem, notice defect, protected activity, accommodation request, or local protection is raised only if its governing requirements and facts have been checked.

Relief requested

Defendant asks the Court to:

1. Deny the relief sought against Defendant to the extent the pleaded facts and defenses establish a basis to do so;
2. Grant [SPECIFIC ADDITIONAL RELIEF, COUNTERCLAIM, OR COSTS] only if authorized by [EXACT LAW AND PROCEDURAL RULE] and supported by [FACTS]; and
3. Grant any other relief the Court may lawfully award on this pleading.

Date: [__/__/____]
Signature: [________________________________]
Printed name: [________________________________]
Mailing address: [________________________________]
Telephone / email required by court: [________________________________]

Delivery and filing record

Use the current court rule for filing and serving an answer. Complete any required proof-of-service form and keep a copy. Do not sign a verification, rent-registry motion, or jury demand unless the selected procedure calls for it and its contents are true.

Official starting points

• California Courts eviction answer instructions and form UD-105
• Texas State Law Library eviction process guide
• Florida Statutes § 83.60, defenses and rent registry
• New York City Housing Court answer instructions

This answer must be matched to the actual summons, court, and current governing law before filing.