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.

Some defense sentences may sound formal or complicated. Don’t be intimidated. That is how they must be said. These lines come straight from the law, and you can read them word for word in court.

Your script will always start with: “Your Honor, I assert the following defenses:”

After that line, you will say the defense sentences that apply to your case.

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.

These defenses apply to most tenants who do not live in mobile homes. If you live in a mobile home, you should learn about defenses for mobile-home park tenants.