AB 747 (SPARE Act): Stricter Proof of Service in Evictions

What it requires

• An eviction (unlawful detainer) complaint must state how the termination notice was served, plus the date, time, and location of service.
• Before substituted service, the server must attempt personal delivery in good faith at least three times, on three different days, at three different times. The same standard applies before a court allows posting of an eviction summons.
• Proof of service must include photos of the service site with a readable, automatic date, time, and GPS stamp, unless taking one would compromise the server’s safety.
• A tenant who says they weren’t properly served can ask the court to set aside a default or dismiss the case. Once the tenant offers sworn evidence, the landlord must prove service was lawful. AB 2042 (2026) confirmed this applies only to service attempted or completed on or after January 1, 2027.

Owner checklist

• Log the method, date, time, and exact location every time you serve a notice
• Keep that log with the notice copy in the tenant file
• Confirm your process server can produce timestamped, GPS-tagged photos
• Ask your eviction attorney what changes in their intake for cases filed in 2027