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Eviction in Monterey County (Salinas), California

Where eviction cases are filed in Monterey County (Salinas), what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.

Quick facts: eviction in Monterey County (Salinas)

Eviction court
Superior Court of California, County of Monterey — Superior Court (unlawful detainer, limited civil) Court page
Filing fee
$240 to $450 to file an eviction (unlawful detainer) case, depending on the amount demanded California Courts Self-Help Guide, Eviction forms
Notice before filing (state law)
3-day notice to pay rent or quit, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and judicial holidays. The notice must state the amount due, the name, phone number, and address of the person to pay, and the payment method. It may be served any time within one year after the rent becomes due. California rules
HUD Fair Market Rent, 2-bedroom (FY2026)
$2,684/month HUD
Renter households
63,496 (48% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024

Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-22

Where eviction cases are filed in Monterey County (Salinas)

Eviction cases in Monterey County (Salinas) are heard by the Superior Court of California, County of Monterey (Superior Court (unlawful detainer, limited civil)).

Court eviction page · E-filing · Search court records · Self-help center

Court page names the Monterey Courthouse for eviction stay requests (also via any courthouse drop box or online). Papers may be e-filed or left in a drop box; answers can be prepared through the Guide and File system. The court site does not state which courthouse hears UD trials.

How much it costs to file an eviction in Monterey County (Salinas)

$240 to $450 to file an eviction (unlawful detainer) case, depending on the amount demanded

Statewide range. If you can't afford the fee you can ask the court to waive it (fee waiver forms). Confirm the exact amount on the local court's fee schedule. Local fee page: https://www.monterey.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing/bail-fee-schedules

Source: California Courts Self-Help Guide, Eviction forms

How eviction cases work locally

Unlawful Detainer Mediation ProgramFree, voluntary mediation with Monterey College of Law and Mandell-Gisnet Center, available only when both parties are self-represented; before filing, after filing, or on trial day. ADR Coordinator 831-582-4095.
Source: Official source
Stay of eviction requestsSubmit as soon as possible after the Sheriff posts the residence; allow at least 48 hours for processing.
Source: Official source
Self-Help Center831-647-5800 x3005, selfhelpcenter@monterey.courts.ca.gov
Source: Official source

The California eviction process

California state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Monterey County (Salinas):

  1. Landlord serves a written notice: 3-day pay or quit, 3-day perform or quit, 3-day quit, or 30/60/90-day notice, with just cause stated where AB 1482 or local law applies
  2. Landlord files an Unlawful Detainer complaint and the tenant is served with the summons and complaint
  3. Tenant files a response (usually an Answer) within 10 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and judicial holidays (5 more court days if served by mail through the Secretary of State's address confidentiality program)
  4. If the tenant answers, a trial is set (per the courts, usually about a month after the request); if not, the landlord can get a default judgment
  5. Judgment for possession; landlord obtains a Writ of Execution and delivers it to the sheriff
  6. Sheriff serves a Notice to Vacate giving the tenant 5 days, then performs the lockout

Full California eviction rules with sources →

Rent in Monterey County (Salinas)

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Salinas, CA MSA (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):

Studio$2,173
1 bedroom$2,232
2 bedrooms$2,684
3 bedrooms$3,623
4 bedrooms$3,945

Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation

Median gross rent in Monterey County (Salinas): $2,055/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).

County tenant ordinance

No county-level ordinance for unincorporated Monterey County found in a targeted search. Salinas has city ordinances (city page).

Eviction help in Monterey County (Salinas)

Free legal help

Other California counties

Related

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file an eviction in Monterey County (Salinas)?
Eviction cases in Monterey County (Salinas) are filed with the Superior Court of California, County of Monterey.
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Monterey County (Salinas)?
$240 to $450 to file an eviction (unlawful detainer) case, depending on the amount demanded.
Where can I get help with an eviction in Monterey County (Salinas)?
California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA).
What is the fair market rent in Monterey County (Salinas)?
HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit is $2,684 per month (1-bedroom: $2,232).

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.