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Judicial Council of California Form UD-105, Answer—Unlawful Detainer, page 1
Complex · 63/100Form Complexity Index

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What this form asks for

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Form UD-105 (Answer—Unlawful Detainer) is the official California Judicial Council pleading a tenant/defendant files to respond to an unlawful detainer complaint. It lets the defendant choose a general or specific denial, assert defenses and objections (including habitability, retaliation, rent control, Tenant Protection Act, and certain COVID-19 and CARES Act-related defenses), add other statements, and request relief such as costs or attorney fees. Filing a complete and accurate Answer is important because it preserves defenses and positions the defendant to contest the eviction in court. Today, this form can be filled out quickly and accurately using AI-powered services like Instafill.ai, which can also convert non-fillable PDF versions into interactive fillable forms.
Fillable fields211
Pages5
Sections37
Form Complexity IndexComplex, 63/100

The AI checks your answers before you download

16 checks built for this form, so a wrong date or a missing answer is caught before anyone else sees it.

Case Number present and matches court case-number format

Validates that the Case Number field is not blank and conforms to the expected Superior Court case numbering pattern for the county (e.g., allowed characters, separators, and length). This is critical to ensure the answer is filed into the correct case and can be matched to the complaint. If the case number is missing or malformed, the submission should be rejected or routed to manual review with an error prompting the filer to correct it.

Court venue fields complete and internally consistent (County/Branch/Address)

Checks that Court County is provided and that at least one court address (street or mailing) plus Court City/ZIP and Branch Name are present when required by the filing workflow. It also validates that the city/ZIP appear plausible for the stated county (basic cross-check against a CA ZIP/county table if available). If inconsistent or incomplete, the system should flag the filing because it may be directed to the wrong courthouse or rejected by the clerk.

Plaintiff and Defendant names are provided and not identical

Ensures Plaintiff and Defendant fields are populated with full names (not placeholders like "N/A" or "unknown") and that the names are not the same string after normalization. This prevents party-role confusion and mis-indexing in case management systems. If the check fails, the submission should be blocked until corrected or sent to manual review if the names legitimately match (rare).

Answering Defendant(s) list includes at least one name and aligns with Defendant field

Validates that item 1 (Defendant(s) for whom the answer is filed) contains at least one defendant name and that it reasonably matches the Defendant name shown in the caption (allowing for multiple defendants, middle initials, and ordering). This is important because the form requires all defendants for whom the answer is filed to be named and to sign unless an attorney signs. If missing or mismatched, the system should require correction or prompt the filer to add all answering defendants.

Denials selection is mutually exclusive (General vs. Specific)

Checks that exactly one of the two denial types is selected: General Denial (2a) or Specific Denials (2b). The form explicitly instructs to check ONLY ONE, and selecting both (or neither) creates an ambiguous pleading. If the validation fails, the submission should be rejected with a clear message to select one denial type.

General Denial allowed only when complaint demand is ≤ $1,000 (if amount captured)

If the system captures the complaint demand amount from the case/complaint metadata, validate that General Denial is not selected when the demand exceeds $1,000, consistent with the form instruction. This prevents an improper response type that could be challenged procedurally. If the amount is > $1,000 and General Denial is selected, the system should block submission or require the filer to switch to Specific Denials.

And 10 more checks
  • Specific Denials require completion of allegation-denial details or MC-025 attachment indicators
  • Paragraph-number fields contain valid references (numeric/structured) when used
  • Defense checkboxes require supporting facts in item 3w or MC-025 reference
  • Nonpayment-of-rent-only defenses cannot be selected without nonpayment context (if basis captured)
  • Rent offer defense requires a valid Offer Date when selected
  • Vacated premises statement requires a valid vacate date and logical timing
  • Unlawful Detainer Assistant section is complete when 'did assist' is selected
  • Assistant registration expiration date is a valid date and not expired (relative to signing date)
  • Contact information format validation (phone, fax, email, ZIP, state)
  • Signature and verification completeness for each answering defendant (or attorney signature)

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How to Fill Out UD-105 Online for Free in 2026

What the AI walks you through.

  1. Go to Instafill.ai and upload/select the California Judicial Council form UD-105 (Answer—Unlawful Detainer).
  2. Enter case and court details (case number, county, court address/branch) and identify the parties (plaintiff and defendant names).
  3. Complete the attorney/party contact section (name, address, phone/email, and State Bar number if applicable).
  4. Choose the denial type (general denial if eligible, or specific denials) and, if specific, list paragraph numbers/explanations for disputed allegations and any UD-101 cover sheet denials; attach MC-025 where needed.
  5. Select applicable defenses and objections (item 3) and provide supporting facts in item 3w or via MC-025 attachments, ensuring each checked defense has a brief factual basis.
  6. Fill out other statements and requests (items 4–6), including whether the premises were vacated, any fair rental value issues, requested relief, and the number of pages attached.
  7. Complete the unlawful detainer assistant section (item 7) if applicable, then add signatures and verification dates; have Instafill.ai generate a final, court-ready PDF for printing/e-filing and saving.

Common Mistakes in Completing UD-105

The ones the AI is built to catch.

Leaving the case number blank or using the wrong case number
People often copy the case number from the wrong document (e.g., a different eviction, small claims, or a prior filing) or leave it blank because they don’t see it on the summons/complaint. A missing or incorrect case number can cause the clerk to reject the filing or misfile it, which can jeopardize deadlines in an unlawful detainer. Always copy the case number exactly as it appears on the Summons/Complaint and repeat it consistently on every page that asks for it. AI-powered tools like Instafill.ai can help by pulling the case number from your source documents and validating that it’s present everywhere it’s required.
Not naming all defendants in Item 1 and/or missing required signatures
A very common error is listing only one tenant/occupant in Item 1 even though multiple defendants are named on the complaint, or having only one defendant sign when multiple defendants are answering without an attorney. This can result in an incomplete answer, leaving non-signing defendants at risk of default or limiting who the defenses apply to. Make sure every defendant for whom the answer is filed is listed in Item 1 and that each of those defendants signs (unless an attorney signs on their behalf). Instafill.ai can flag missing co-defendant names and missing signature lines before you file.
Checking both denial boxes (General Denial and Specific Denials) or checking the wrong one
Because the form says “Check ONLY ONE,” people still check both, or they choose General Denial even when the complaint seeks more than $1,000. This can make the answer internally inconsistent and may lead to rejection, confusion, or weakened credibility in court. Verify the amount demanded in the complaint and select only the correct denial type: General Denial only if the complaint demands $1,000 or less; otherwise use Specific Denials and complete the required subparts. Instafill.ai can guide the selection by prompting for the demand amount and preventing mutually exclusive boxes from being selected together.
Choosing Specific Denials but failing to list paragraph numbers or attach MC-025 correctly
When using Specific Denials, many filers write vague statements like “I deny everything” without identifying paragraph numbers from UD-100 (or the complaint) and UD-101, or they check “Explanation is on MC-025” but forget to attach MC-025 or title it as the form instructs (e.g., “Attachment 2b(1)(a)”). The consequence is an incomplete or unclear denial that may not properly put allegations in dispute. To avoid this, cite the exact paragraph numbers you dispute and, if you need more space, attach MC-025 and label it exactly as the referenced attachment title on the form. Instafill.ai can help format attachments, ensure the correct attachment titles, and confirm that required references and pages are included.
Skipping the UD-101 section (Mandatory Cover Sheet) or contradicting it
Defendants often overlook the UD-101-related denials (Item 2(b)(2)) or check “did not receive UD-101” without considering whether they actually received it, or they fail to complete (b), (c), and (d) when required. This can create inconsistencies and may weaken defenses tied to notice/verification requirements. Carefully review whether UD-101 was served and, if it was, complete the appropriate sub-items with paragraph numbers or explanations (and MC-025 if needed). Instafill.ai can prompt you through conditional sections so you don’t miss required follow-up fields.
Checking defenses in Item 3 but not providing supporting facts in Item 3w (or MC-025)
The form explicitly requires brief facts for each checked defense, but many people check multiple boxes and leave Item 3w blank or provide only conclusions (e.g., “retaliation” with no dates/events). Without supporting facts, defenses may be disregarded or carry less weight, and you may lose the chance to clearly present your side early in the case. For every defense you check, add 2–6 key facts: dates, what happened, who did what, and any documents you have (notices, photos, texts, receipts). Instafill.ai can help by generating a structured fact summary and ensuring Item 3w/MC-025 is completed whenever any defense box is selected.
Using nonpayment-only defenses when the eviction is for a different reason
Boxes like habitability breach, repair-and-deduct, and tender of rent are marked “(Nonpayment of rent only),” but people still check them in holdover, breach-of-lease, nuisance, or no-fault cases. This can distract from stronger defenses and may confuse the court about what is actually being disputed. Confirm the stated cause of action and notice type in the complaint (e.g., 3-day pay or quit vs. 3-day perform or quit vs. 30/60-day notice) before selecting defenses. Instafill.ai can reduce this mistake by asking the eviction basis and warning when a selected defense doesn’t match the case type.
Missing required dates (rent offer date, vacate date) or using ambiguous date formats
Fields like the rent offer date (Item 3c) and the vacated date (Item 4a) are often left blank, filled with approximations (“around June”), or written in unclear formats (e.g., 6/7/24 without clarity). Missing or unclear dates can undermine time-sensitive defenses (like tender before notice expiration) and create credibility issues. Use a clear, complete date format (e.g., “February 17, 2026”) and only include dates you can support with records when possible. Instafill.ai can standardize date formatting and flag missing date fields when a related checkbox is selected.
Not completing Item 7 (Unlawful Detainer Assistant) or checking the wrong option
Item 7 must be completed in all cases, but many filers skip it or misunderstand what counts as an “unlawful detainer assistant” (paid non-attorney help). An incomplete Item 7 can lead to filing issues, and incorrect disclosures can create legal complications. Always check either “did not” or “did,” and if you paid an unlawful detainer assistant, fill in all requested registration details. Instafill.ai can ensure this mandatory section is not left blank and can prompt for the required assistant information when “did” is selected.
Forgetting the verification (date, printed name, signature) or having the wrong person verify
People frequently sign the answer but forget to complete the verification section, omit the date, or have someone other than a defendant sign the verification without using the correct alternative verification form. A missing or improper verification can cause rejection or require refiling, risking tight unlawful detainer deadlines. Ensure each verifying defendant prints their name, signs, and dates the verification under penalty of perjury, and use a different verification form if an attorney verifies or if the defendant is a corporation/partnership. Instafill.ai can highlight missing verification elements and prevent submission when required signature/date fields are incomplete.
Incorrect or inconsistent page attachments and attachment count (Item 6)
When using MC-025 attachments, filers often forget to include them, fail to label them with the exact attachment titles referenced (e.g., “Attachment 3w”), or enter the wrong number of pages attached in Item 6. This can result in the court missing key facts/defenses or the filing being considered incomplete. Before filing, assemble the packet in order, label each MC-025 attachment exactly as instructed, and count every added page (including exhibits if attached) for Item 6. If you’re working from a flat, non-fillable PDF, Instafill.ai can convert it into a fillable version and help track attachments and page counts accurately.

Frequently Asked Questions About UD-105

 

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From your account, in two clicks, any time. No email, no call.
How does the AI fill out UD-105?
You answer a few questions in plain words, or upload a document you already have. The AI reads what you give it and puts each answer into the right field of UD-105, on every page, in seconds. It checks the answers against the form's own rules, and you review and change anything before you download, print or sign.
What happens to my information?
It is encrypted in transit and at rest, and it is never used to train AI.
How complex is UD-105 to fill out?
UD-105 has a Form Complexity Index of 63 out of 100, in the complex tier: 211 fillable fields across 5 pages. Instafill.ai's AI fills it in under a minute, with every field there for you to review before you download.
What is form UD-105 (Answer—Unlawful Detainer) used for?
UD-105 is the defendant’s written response to an unlawful detainer (eviction) complaint in California. It tells the court whether you deny the allegations and what defenses or objections you are raising.
Who needs to fill out and file UD-105?
Any tenant/defendant who has been served with an unlawful detainer complaint and wants to respond should file UD-105 (unless using another permitted responsive pleading). Each defendant who is responding must be listed in item 1 and must sign (unless an attorney signs for them).
How do I choose between “General Denial” and “Specific Denials” in item 2?
Check only one box. Use General Denial only if the complaint demands $1,000 or less; if the complaint demands more than $1,000, you generally must use Specific Denials and identify what you dispute.
If I check “Specific Denials,” what do I put in item 2b(1) and 2b(2)?
In 2b(1), list the paragraph numbers from the complaint (UD-100 or other) you claim are false or that you deny due to lack of information. In 2b(2), address the plaintiff’s UD-101 (Mandatory Cover Sheet/Supplemental Allegations) by checking boxes and listing the paragraph numbers you dispute.
What is form MC-025 and when should I attach it to UD-105?
MC-025 is an attachment sheet used when you need more space to explain denials, defenses, or other statements/requests. If you use it, label it exactly as the form instructs (for example, “Attachment 3w” or “Attachment 2b(1)(a)”) and include the total number of pages attached in item 6.
Do I have to provide facts for the defenses I check in item 3?
Yes. For every defense box you check in item 3, you must briefly state supporting facts in item 3w (page 4) or on an attached MC-025 labeled “Attachment 3w.”
Which defenses apply only to nonpayment-of-rent cases?
Some defenses are marked “(Nonpayment of rent only),” such as breach of the warranty of habitability, repair-and-deduct, or that you offered the rent before the notice expired and the landlord refused. Only check those if the eviction is based on nonpayment of rent and the facts fit your situation.
What if my case involves COVID-19 rental debt or rental assistance issues?
UD-105 includes specific defenses for rent/fees due in certain COVID-19 time periods and for required notices/declarations and rental assistance application issues. Check the boxes that match your dates and circumstances and explain the details in item 3w (or MC-025).
What documentation might I need for the domestic violence/abuse-related defense in item 3j?
That defense requires either (1) a temporary restraining order/protective order or a police report not more than 180 days old, or (2) a signed statement from a qualified third party (such as a doctor or counselor). Keep copies ready to provide if the court requests them.
What should I put in item 4 if I already moved out?
If you vacated, check item 4a and write the date you moved out. You can still file an answer to address money claims or other issues, but moving out may affect what the court orders.
What does the “Unlawful Detainer Assistant” section (item 7) mean, and do I have to fill it out?
Item 7 must be completed in all cases. If you paid an unlawful detainer assistant (a registered non-attorney service) for help, check “did” and provide their registration details; otherwise check “did not.”
Do I need to sign and verify UD-105, and who signs if there are multiple defendants?
Yes—each defendant for whom the answer is filed must sign the answer unless an attorney signs for them, and the verification is signed under penalty of perjury. If there are multiple defendants responding, each should sign in the signature and verification areas provided (or attach additional signature pages if needed).
How do I submit UD-105 and how long does it take to process?
You generally file UD-105 with the Superior Court listed on the complaint (often by e-filing, in person, or by drop box/mail depending on the county) and serve a copy on the plaintiff/attorney. Processing and hearing timelines vary by county, but unlawful detainer cases move quickly—check your summons/complaint and local court rules for deadlines.
Can AI tools help me fill out UD-105 accurately?
Yes. AI form-filling services like Instafill.ai can help auto-fill form fields from your information and documents, reducing manual typing and missed fields—though you still must review everything for accuracy and truthfulness before signing.
How do I fill out UD-105 online using Instafill.ai, and what if my PDF isn’t fillable?
Upload the UD-105 PDF to Instafill.ai, answer the guided questions (case number, parties, denials, defenses, and attachments), and let the AI map your responses into the correct fields for download and filing. If your copy is a flat/non-fillable PDF, Instafill.ai can convert it into an interactive fillable form first, then auto-fill it.
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Other forms like this one

Judicial Council forms: Judicial Council of California Form FL-300, Request for Order, Judicial Council of California Form FL-150, Income and Expense Declaration, Judicial Council of California Form SC-104, Proof of Service (Small Claims), Judicial Council of California Form SC-105, Request for Court Order and Answer (Small Claims), Judicial Council of California Form DE-111, Petition for Probate (Probate—Decedents Estates), Judicial Council of California Form SC-104, Proof of Service (Small Claims), Judicial Council of California Form SC-108, Request to Correct or Cancel Judgment and Answer (Small Claims), Judicial Council of California Form SC-120, Defendant’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court (Small Claims), Civil Case Cover Sheet (Judicial Council of California Form CM-010), Civil Case Cover Sheet (Judicial Council of California Form CM-010), Judicial Council of California Form TR-205, Request for Trial by Written Declaration (Trial by Written Declaration—Traffic), Judicial Council of California Form DE-120, Notice of Hearing—Decedent's Estate or Trust, Inventory and Appraisal Attachment (Judicial Council of California Form DE-161, GC-041), CLETS-001, Confidential Information for Law Enforcement (Judicial Council of California), Judicial Council of California Form SER-001, Request for Sheriff to Serve Court Papers, Judicial Council of California Form UD-105, Answer—Unlawful Detainer, CLETS-001, Confidential Information for Law Enforcement (Judicial Council of California), Judicial Council of California Form ADOPT-210, Adoption Agreement, Judicial Council of California Form DE-120, Notice of Hearing—Decedent's Estate or Trust, Inventory and Appraisal (Judicial Council of California) (Form DE-160/GC-040)

California judicial forms: Judicial Council of California Form FL-300, Request for Order, Judicial Council of California Form FL-150, Income and Expense Declaration, Judicial Council of California Form SC-104, Proof of Service (Small Claims), Judicial Council of California Form SC-105, Request for Court Order and Answer (Small Claims), Judicial Council of California Form DE-111, Petition for Probate (Probate—Decedents Estates), Judicial Council of California Form SC-104, Proof of Service (Small Claims), Judicial Council of California Form SC-108, Request to Correct or Cancel Judgment and Answer (Small Claims), Judicial Council of California Form SC-120, Defendant’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court (Small Claims), Civil Case Cover Sheet (Judicial Council of California Form CM-010), Civil Case Cover Sheet (Judicial Council of California Form CM-010), Judicial Council of California Form TR-205, Request for Trial by Written Declaration (Trial by Written Declaration—Traffic), Judicial Council of California Form DE-120, Notice of Hearing—Decedent's Estate or Trust, Inventory and Appraisal Attachment (Judicial Council of California Form DE-161, GC-041), CLETS-001, Confidential Information for Law Enforcement (Judicial Council of California), Judicial Council of California Form SER-001, Request for Sheriff to Serve Court Papers, Judicial Council of California Form UD-105, Answer—Unlawful Detainer, CLETS-001, Confidential Information for Law Enforcement (Judicial Council of California), Judicial Council of California Form ADOPT-210, Adoption Agreement, Judicial Council of California Form DE-120, Notice of Hearing—Decedent's Estate or Trust, Inventory and Appraisal (Judicial Council of California) (Form DE-160/GC-040)

unlawful detainer forms: Judicial Council of California Form UD-150, Request/Counter-Request to Set Case for Trial—Unlawful Detainer, Form UD-100, Complaint—Unlawful Detainer, Judicial Council of California Form UD-105, Answer—Unlawful Detainer, Judicial Council of California Form UD-150, Request/Counter-Request to Set Case for Trial—Unlawful Detainer, Judicial Council of California Form UD-100, Complaint—Unlawful Detainer, Form UD-105, Answer—Unlawful Detainer, Form UD-101, Plaintiff's Mandatory Cover Sheet and Supplemental Allegations—Unlawful Detainer, Form SUM-130, Summons - Unlawful Detainer - Eviction, Form DISC-003/UD-106, Form Interrogatories—Unlawful Detainer, Form UD-110, Judgment—Unlawful Detainer, Judicial Council of California, Form UD-110P, Judgment—Unlawful Detainer Partial Eviction Attachment, Form UD-115, Stipulation for Entry of Judgment (Unlawful Detainer), Form UD-116, Declaration for Default Judgment by Court (Unlawful Detainer—Civ. Proc., § 585(d)), Form UD-120, Verification by Landlord Regarding Rental Assistance—Unlawful Detainer, UD-155, Eviction Case (Unlawful Detainer) Stipulation, Judicial Council of California Form UD-110H, Judgment—Unlawful Detainer Habitable Premises Attachment

ETA forms: ETA Form 9061, Work Opportunity Tax Credit Individual Characteristics Form (ICF), Form UD-100, Complaint—Unlawful Detainer, 2420 - Served by Publication/Posting Forcible Detainer - Notice by Posting (CCM 0086), Oregon Practitioner Credentialing Application (including Attachment A: Professional Liability Action Detail), Judicial Council of California Form UD-105, Answer—Unlawful Detainer, Murrieta Police Department Citizen Complaint Form (California Penal Code § 148.6 Advisory Statement), Judicial Council of California Form UD-150, Request/Counter-Request to Set Case for Trial—Unlawful Detainer, Louisiana Secretary of State – Notice of Change of Registered Office and/or Change of Registered Agent (Domestic Limited Liability Company) (R.S. 12:1308) (Form SS983, Rev. 01/24), Judicial Council of California Form UD-150, Request/Counter-Request to Set Case for Trial—Unlawful Detainer, TIAA-CREF Funds IRA 60-Day Rollover Request (Retail Class Only), TIAA-CREF Funds IRA Distribution Form (Retail Class Only), TIAA-CREF Funds Beneficiary Designation Form (Retail Class Only), Vanguard Personal Investor – Unregulated Trust details – Account information update, Application Form: Individual Investor | Monthly Liquidity – Retail Hedge Fund, Application Form: Legal Entities | Retail Hedge Fund - Fundrock, Application Form: Individual Investor | Retail Hedge Fund, Fundrock Application Form: Legal Entities | Monthly Liquidity – Retail Hedge Fund, Form C8, Confidential contact details, Judicial Council of California Form UD-100, Complaint—Unlawful Detainer, GEN 1327, Policy Interpretation Request

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