How long do I have to respond to an eviction notice?

It varies by state and can be very short: 5 days, not counting weekends or legal holidays, in Florida, and 10 court days in California if the papers were handed to you. Missing the deadline usually means a default judgment, so act right away.

What are affirmative defenses to eviction?

These are legal reasons the eviction should fail even if you owe rent, such as defective notice, the unit being uninhabitable, retaliation, or the landlord accepting rent after serving notice.

Is this a substitute for a lawyer?

No. This generates a self-help document to help you respond on time. For complex cases or trial, consult a licensed attorney or your local legal aid.

Eviction Defense Forms

Respond to an eviction or unlawful detainer the right way, before the deadline runs.

Start your eviction defense document

Free preview - $9 to download the court-ready PDF.

Want to see what goes in it first? Eviction Answer Template: What to Write in Each Section

If you have been served with an eviction notice or unlawful detainer summons, you usually have only a handful of days to file a written Answer or the landlord can win by default. This tool generates a court-formatted Answer with the affirmative defenses tenants most often miss.

Documents you can generate

Answer to Unlawful Detainer with numbered admissions and denials
Common affirmative defenses (improper notice, habitability, retaliation, acceptance of rent)
Motion to Quash service when you were never properly served
Formatted for filing with your local trial court

How it works

Pick your state and answer a few plain-English questions.
Review a free preview of your formatted document.
Pay $9 to download the complete, court-ready PDF.

Official resources and free legal help

Deadlines, filing fees, and procedure are set by your court and change. Confirm the current rules for your case before you file.

Pro Se Legal Docs is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. These templates help you prepare your own filing; they do not replace advice from a licensed attorney in your state.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to respond to an eviction notice?: It varies by state and can be very short: 5 days, not counting weekends or legal holidays, in Florida, and 10 court days in California if the papers were handed to you. Missing the deadline usually means a default judgment, so act right away.
What are affirmative defenses to eviction?: These are legal reasons the eviction should fail even if you owe rent, such as defective notice, the unit being uninhabitable, retaliation, or the landlord accepting rent after serving notice.
Is this a substitute for a lawyer?: No. This generates a self-help document to help you respond on time. For complex cases or trial, consult a licensed attorney or your local legal aid.

Available in every state

Pick your state for its eviction defense forms and official court links.

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This is a self-help document generator, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney or your local legal aid office.