Community, Diversity, Sustainability and other Overused Words
Community, Diversity, Sustainability and other Overused Words
If you want to kick out your tenants, you'll have to provide the court with their cell phone numbers
Los Angeles, CA – Landlords filing limited-jurisdiction unlawful detainer (eviction) cases in the Superior Court of Los Angeles County will soon face a new mandatory disclosure rule aimed at improving court notifications and access to justice.
Effective January 2, 2026, all plaintiffs in limited-jurisdiction unlawful detainer actions must submit all known cellular telephone numbers for the defendant(s) at the time they file the complaint, according to General Order 2025-GEN-022-00 signed by Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia II.The order requires plaintiffs to:Use the new Form LASC CIV 312 to list any known cell phone numbers for the tenant(s)/defendant(s).
Certify that they have provided all known cellular numbers.
Optionally provide their own cell phone number if they wish to receive text-message reminders and notices from the court about their case."Plaintiffs shall certify that they have provided all known cellular telephone numbers for defendant(s)," the General Order states. "A Plaintiff who wants to receive text reminders from the Court related to their case may provide the Court with their cellular telephone numbers."
The court says the change is designed to increase efficiency and ensure defendants receive timely notices. By enabling text-message reminders for hearing dates, deadlines, and other case updates, the Superior Court hopes to reduce defaults caused by missed notifications and improve overall access to justice.
The requirement applies only to limited-jurisdiction unlawful detainer cases (generally those seeking possession only, with monetary claims of $35,000 or less). Unlimited-jurisdiction eviction cases are not affected by this order.Attorneys and self-represented landlords are advised to begin collecting defendant cell phone numbers when serving the pre-filing notice to quit, if possible, to comply with the upcoming rule.Form LASC CIV 312 and the full text of General Order 2025-GEN-022-00 will be available on the court's website at http://www.LACourt.ca.gov in the coming weeks.
For the latest updates on court programs and services, the Los Angeles Superior Court can be followed on X (@LASuperiorCourt), Instagram (@LASuperiorCourt), Threads (@LASuperiorCourt), or visited online at http://www.LACourt.ca.gov.
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