California tenant guide

Unlawful Detainer Case Search

A source-backed guide to unlawful detainer case search, including what to check, documents to gather, and when to get professional review.

Published July 25, 2026 · Updated July 25, 2026 · By EvictionHelpAI Editorial

Unlawful Detainer Case Search

If you need to do an unlawful detainer case search, you are usually trying to confirm whether an eviction case was filed, find the case number, check upcoming court dates, or see what documents appear on the court record. In California, the best first step is usually to check the court’s own website. California Courts Self-Help says that in many courts, you can look up court cases online to find basic information such as the names of the parties, what documents have been filed, and whether there are court dates. It also says the best first step is to look for information on the court’s website.

Because court systems differ by county, the exact search method can change. Some courts allow searches by party name or case number, while others require more specific information. For example, Sacramento Superior Court directs users handling unlawful detainer matters to its online case search and says access requires the specific names of the parties and the property address associated with the case. Sacramento also says users should select the case type “Limited Civil” and may be required to create an account before using the search feature.

This article provides legal information, not legal advice. If a court’s website gives different instructions than a general guide, follow the court’s posted directions or confirm with the court directly.

What unlawful detainer case search usually means

An unlawful detainer case is the court case used in an eviction matter. Sacramento Superior Court says its Unlawful Detainer Division handles eviction cases requesting damages up to $35,000. When people talk about an unlawful detainer case search, they usually mean one or more of these tasks:

California courts often provide at least basic online case information. For example, San Diego Superior Court says online results can include the case title, case number, case location, case type, date filed, and parties involved. That gives a useful example of the kind of information a court search may show, but you should still confirm what your own county makes available.

In Sacramento, the court specifically says, “Use the search feature below to locate Unlawful Detainer (Landlord/Tenant) cases.” Sacramento also notes that unlawful detainer cases “have moved” and links users to instructions on how to access them in the newer system. If you are searching in Sacramento and an older bookmark does not work, start again from the current Superior Court search page.

What to check first

Start with the superior court website for the county where the rental property is located. California Courts Self-Help says that is typically the best first step.

When you get to the court site, check for:

If you are searching Sacramento County, the court says you will need:

Sacramento also says you may be prompted to create an account before using the search feature.

Other courts may use different search rules. San Diego Superior Court says a case can be located if you know the name of a party associated with the case or the case number. Those are court-specific instructions, so do not assume the same search method works statewide.

Also check whether the court limits how far back records go. Sacramento says users can view case information and public documents for unlawful detainer cases initiated after 2005. San Diego says some Civil Limited records may be available only for 10 years for some court locations. If you cannot find an older case online, confirm with the court whether the record is available another way.

Documents and facts to gather

Before you search, collect the details the court system is likely to require. Helpful items include:

These details matter because some courts require exact inputs. Sacramento says access requires entry of the specific names of the parties and the property address associated with the case.

If your goal is to review documents, be ready for limits. Online systems may show basic case information without showing every document. San Diego says some documents in certain civil cases initiated on or after January 1, 2008 may be available for purchase from the online Register of Actions. That means document access can be narrower than case-information access.

If you cannot tell from the website whether a document should be available online, confirm through the court’s official access page rather than guessing.

Common mistakes to avoid

A few errors come up often in unlawful detainer case searches:

Using the wrong county court website.
Search in the county where the case was filed. If you are unsure, start with the county where the property is located and verify from there.

Using incomplete names or the wrong address format.
Sacramento requires the specific names of the parties and the property address associated with the case. Small mistakes can prevent a match.

Choosing the wrong case type.
Sacramento tells users to select “Limited Civil” for unlawful detainer searches.

Assuming every court offers the same online access.
California Courts Self-Help explains that many courts offer online lookup tools, but not all systems work the same way.

Assuming no case exists if you do not find it online immediately.
Records can be limited by date range, system design, or local rules. Sacramento’s public document access for unlawful detainer cases is tied to cases initiated after 2005, and San Diego says some limited civil records may only be available online for 10 years in some locations.

Relying on unofficial third-party sites.
The safer starting point is the court’s own website, because California Courts Self-Help directs users there first.

When to get professional help

Consider getting professional review if:

California Courts Self-Help has statewide eviction information for tenants, and court websites often explain local access rules. If fees come up for copies or filings and you cannot afford them, review the California Courts fee waiver information to see whether a fee waiver may be available.

If timing matters, use the official court website and confirm any unclear step there. Court access rules can be county-specific, and the official site is the most reliable place to verify whether you need a case number, party names, a property address, an account, or an in-person records request.

Primary sources