Eviction in San Joaquin County (Stockton), California

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

Quick facts: eviction in San Joaquin County (Stockton)

Eviction court: Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin - Unlawful Detainer / Landlord-Tenant Department — 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): $1,742/month HUD
Renter households: 93,220 (38% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024

Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-23

Where eviction cases are filed in San Joaquin County (Stockton)

Eviction cases in San Joaquin County (Stockton) are heard by the Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin - Unlawful Detainer / Landlord-Tenant Department (Superior Court (unlawful detainer, limited civil)).

Stockton Courthouse - Unlawful Detainer / Landlord-Tenant Department — 180 E Weber Ave., 2nd Floor, Stockton, CA 95202 · website

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

UD Department phone (209) 992-5702. New UD complaints are dropped at the clerk's window or civil drop box (processed within 24 hours); court says to monitor appfile.sjcourts.org for when UD e-filing is accepted. Reduced clerk hours 8:00-2:00 posted for Sept 7-Oct 30, 2026.

How much it costs to file an eviction in San Joaquin County (Stockton)

$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://sjcourts.org/forms-filings/court-fee-schedule

Source: California Courts Self-Help Guide, Eviction forms

How eviction cases work locally

UD form packets	Court publishes UD form packets. Source: Official source

The California eviction process

California state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including San Joaquin County (Stockton):

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
Landlord files an Unlawful Detainer complaint and the tenant is served with the summons and complaint
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)
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
Judgment for possession; landlord obtains a Writ of Execution and delivers it to the sheriff
Sheriff serves a Notice to Vacate giving the tenant 5 days, then performs the lockout

Full California eviction rules with sources →

Rent in San Joaquin County (Stockton)

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

Studio	$1,288
1 bedroom	$1,395
2 bedrooms	$1,742
3 bedrooms	$2,423
4 bedrooms	$2,922

Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation

Median gross rent in San Joaquin County (Stockton): $1,734/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).

A PHA in this MSA has opted into Small Area FMRs; HUD page also shows ZIP-level SAFMRs.

Relocation Benefits for Displaced Tenants (Ordinance Code Title 8, Div. 5, Ch. 8, Secs. 8-5700 to 8-5706)

Applies: Unincorporated San Joaquin County

Relocation when the county orders a unit vacated: A tenant (including lessees, boarders and lodgers) who must move out because a county enforcement agency issues a notice to vacate for unsafe or hazardous conditions is entitled to relocation benefits from the owner equal to twice the monthly rent, in addition to the return of any deposit. With the tenant's consent, the owner may instead provide a habitable place to live. If the owner does not pay, the tenant may apply to the enforcement agency within 10 days after the date to vacate, and the County may advance benefits within its budget.

Eviction help in San Joaquin County (Stockton)

Free legal help

California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA) — Free legal services for eligible low-income Californians; housing is a practice area. Statewide line 1-800-337-0690. Confirm local office.

Other California counties

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file an eviction in San Joaquin County (Stockton)?

Eviction cases in San Joaquin County (Stockton) are filed with the Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin - Unlawful Detainer / Landlord-Tenant Department.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in San Joaquin County (Stockton)?

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

Where can I get help with an eviction in San Joaquin County (Stockton)?

California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA).

What is the fair market rent in San Joaquin County (Stockton)?

HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit is $1,742 per month (1-bedroom: $1,395).

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.