Preparing your defenses for an eviction case

When you go to court, you must tell the judge your defenses. A defense is a legal reason why the eviction should not happen.

How to prepare:

• Read through the defenses below and pick the ones that match your situation.

• Write them down and practice saying them so you feel ready in court.

• Don’t be intimidated by the formal or complicated language. This is how they must be said. These lines come straight from the law, and you can read them word for word in court.

In court, you'll say:

“Your Honor, I assert the following defenses:”

Then read the defense sentences that apply to your case.

Remember: When you don’t understand something, speak up! (Learn more about representing yourself without a lawyer.)

Note: These defenses apply to most tenants who do not live in mobile homes. If you live in a mobile home, you should read the defenses for mobile-home park tenants.