San Diego Superior Court Introduces New Online Exhibit Upload Option for Unlawful Detainer (Landlord/Tenant) Cases

Sep 25, 2023
Court Services Update

The San Diego Superior Court has launched a new online application to allow litigants in Limited Unlawful Detainer cases (landlord/tenant disputes claiming damages up to $25,000) to upload exhibits remotely.

This technology builds on the previous introduction of an online exhibit upload application for Small Claims cases introduced in October 2021.

“This online process makes it easier for litigants to upload photos, diagrams, videos, and other exhibits from the comfort and convenience of their home or mobile devices. Our clerks can process the uploaded exhibits faster and judicial officers can easily refer to them, making it a more streamlined experience for all,” said Court Executive Officer Michael Roddy. “It is a high priority for us to continue improving the court experience through technology wherever possible. We are pleased to roll out this new online application to the public.”

A trial date must already be scheduled for limited unlawful detainer cases to submit exhibits online. Exhibits cannot be submitted at the time of filing a new complaint or answer. Trial exhibits submitted in a case that does not have a trial date scheduled will not be accepted. Trial exhibits must be served on all other parties in the case at least two court days before the scheduled trial date. With this new application available and effective immediately, the court no longer accepts unlawful detainer trial exhibits submitted via email. The email address previously in use will be deactivated on October 23, 2023.

Accepted file types include Text (.txt) files, PDF files, Word documents, images (.png, .jpg, .jpeg), and video (.mp4) files. Online exhibit submissions are limited to 20 MB. Litigants who prefer not to upload exhibits online may continue to mail in exhibits, deposit exhibits in the Central Civil Business Office drop box, or bring trial exhibits with them to court if appearing for the trial in person.

For additional details on how to submit exhibits, and information on items that are specifically prohibited and not allowed for exhibit submission, please refer to the full information on submitting evidence in limited unlawful detainer cases.

For more information on all online services offered by the San Diego Superior Court, please visit the court’s website at sdcourt.ca.gov.