Cal. Civ. Code § 17988
California Health and Safety Code
Operative Text
In any action or proceeding brought pursuant to this article, service of summons is sufficient if served in the manner provided in the Code of Civil Procedure.
California Health & Safety Code § 17988 addresses how legal process is delivered when a case is filed under the housing enforcement article it belongs to. It establishes that serving a summons in the standard manner set out by the Code of Civil Procedure satisfies the service requirement — meaning no special or additional method of delivery is needed beyond what California civil procedure already requires. This rule applies to any action or proceeding brought under that article, keeping the procedural standard consistent with general civil litigation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17988, when a housing enforcement action is initiated against a property owner or manager under this article, the summons may be delivered using the same methods that govern ordinary California civil cases. Compliant operators generally maintain current, accurate contact and registered-agent information so that service of process can be received without complication. Being aware that no heightened or unusual service method is required helps operators recognize when they have been properly served and respond within applicable deadlines.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17988 confirms that when a proceeding is brought under this article, standard California civil procedure governs how a summons is served on any party. Tenants who are parties to such an action have the same procedural protections around service that apply in ordinary civil cases, and a failure to follow those standard methods could be raised as a procedural issue in the proceeding. Tenants seeking to understand their rights in a housing enforcement action may find it helpful to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office familiar with California civil procedure.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 3, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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