An eviction (also called an "unlawful detainer") is a legal action a landlord files in court to remove a tenant from a rental property. These resources explain the eviction process from both the tenant's and landlord's perspectives, including the types of notices that may be served and how to respond.

• Overview of the Residential Eviction Process in California California Courts self-help guide covering how evictions work from both the tenant's and landlord's perspectives.
• How to Start or Respond to an Eviction Action Information about different types of eviction notices and how to begin or respond to an unlawful detainer case.

The Evictions/Unlawful Detainers Division of the Santa Barbara Superior Court handles all eviction cases. Contact the clerk's office for information about filing, fees, and court procedures.

• Evictions/Unlawful Detainers Division Clerk's office contact information, filing fees, and answers to common questions about eviction filings.
• Legal Resource Center Free legal assistance on a first come, first served basis. Advisors can help you understand the eviction process and prepare for your case.

Eviction filings require specific court forms. You can obtain forms from the Santa Barbara Superior Court or the California Judicial Council. You may also prepare and file documents electronically using the Odyssey Guide & File system.

• Santa Barbara Superior Court - Eviction Forms & Self-Help Eviction-related forms and self-help resources from the Santa Barbara Superior Court.
• California Judicial Council Unlawful Detainer Forms Statewide mandatory and optional court forms for eviction and unlawful detainer proceedings.
• Odyssey Guide & File (E-Filing) An interactive document preparation tool that drafts legal documents based on your answers to a series of questions, then files them electronically. Use this only if you intend to e-file.
• Santa Barbara Superior Court E-Filing Page Information about e-filing with the Santa Barbara Superior Court, including links to the Odyssey system.
• Odyssey Guide & File User Guide (PDF) Step-by-step instructions for using the Odyssey e-filing system.

California has extensive laws governing the landlord-tenant relationship, including rules about rent increases, eviction procedures, security deposits, and habitability. These resources provide overviews and access to the relevant statutes.

• California Attorney General - Landlord-Tenant Issues and Related Laws Overview of landlord-tenant rights and responsibilities from the California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General.
• Overview of Landlord-Tenant Laws in California (Nolo Press) Nolo Press publishes books about the law, written by attorneys for non-attorneys. This article covers key California landlord-tenant laws.
• California Statutes (State Laws) Search and read relevant landlord-tenant laws directly. To find a specific Civil Code section (e.g. 1946.1), select "CIV" from the "Code" dropdown in the upper right corner, then enter the section number.
• 2019 Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) Full text of the Tenant Protection Act, which established statewide rent caps and just-cause eviction protections for most residential tenants.

Several cities and communities in Santa Barbara County have their own tenant protection, rent stabilization, or housing regulations that may apply in addition to state law. Check the ordinances for your specific area below.

• Carpinteria - Housing Regulations (Municipal Code, Title 7)
• Goleta - Tenant Protections (Municipal Code, Chapter 8.19)
• Goleta - Mobilehome Rent Control (Chapter 8.14)
• Isla Vista Community Services District Isla Vista is an unincorporated community located 9 miles west of the City of Santa Barbara.
• Isla Vista CSD - FAQs
• Isla Vista CSD - Renter Resources
• Lompoc - Mobilehome Rent Stabilization (Chapter 5.60)
• City of Santa Barbara - Municipal Code, Title 26
• Santa Maria - Codes and Documents
• Solvang - Municipal Code
• Solvang - Fair Housing

Nolo Press publishes books about the law written by attorneys for non-attorneys. The following titles are available remotely through the Law Library's subscription.

• Nolo Press Legal Library (EBSCO) For Tenants: California Tenants' Rights, Every Tenant's Legal Guide, and Renters' Rights. For Landlords: The California Landlord's Law Book: Evictions. User ID: countylaw  |  Password: Sbcll805!

The following legal research databases and publications are available for use within the Law Library. Visit us to access these resources.

• CEB OnLAW CA Eviction Defense Manual, CA Landlord-Tenant Practice, and Handling Unlawful Detainers (Action Guide).
• LexisNexis CA Forms of Pleading and Practice, Vol. 29: Landlord and Tenant.
• Westlaw Landlord-Tenant (TRG, CA Practice Guide).

• Guide to Residential Tenants' and Landlords' Rights and Responsibilities Published by the California Department of Real Estate. A comprehensive guide covering the rights and responsibilities of both tenants and landlords.
• City of Santa Barbara Rental Housing Mediation Program Free mediation services for landlord-tenant disputes within the City of Santa Barbara.
• Santa Barbara Real Property Owners Association (SBRPA) A local association providing resources and support for property owners and landlords.
• Santa Barbara County Bar Association - Lawyer Referral Service Request a referral to a local attorney through the Santa Barbara County Bar Association.
• Legal Help FAQs on Eviction Problems (Stanford Law / Pew Foundation) Answers to frequently asked questions about eviction-related legal issues in California.

If you believe you have been discriminated against in housing based on race, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or other protected characteristics, these agencies can help.

• California Civil Rights Department (formerly DFEH) File a complaint or get information about housing discrimination under California law.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - California Federal housing resources including information about Section 8 housing and fair housing rights.