Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Re: How to answer a summon and complaint

If this is an unlawful detainer action, you have five days from the date you were served to file an answer or other responsive pleading. The Judicial Council of California has published form answers. Check its web site. You will have to file the original signed copy with the court after paying your filing fee, and mail a copy to the lawyer for the plaintiff. You can also assert affirmative defenses. If you can't afford the filing fee, the Judicial Council also has an application for fee waiver and an order on application for fee waiver that you should complete and file with your answer. Good luck!