The UD-104 form is an essential document for tenants involved in an unlawful detainer legal process (eviction) due to alleged non-payment of rent during the COVID-19 pandemic. This form comes into play specifically when a landlord initiates an unlawful detainer action, and the tenant did not provide a declaration of COVID-19-related financial distress within the required 15-day window following the landlord's notice, demanding fulfillment of the lease obligations. - **Trigger Event**: Receiving a notice from the landlord demanding the fulfillment of lease obligations, followed by an unlawful detainer lawsuit if the demand is not met. - **Time-Specific Action**: Filing this form within 5 days of receiving the summons and legal complaint to legally challenge the eviction based on COVID-19-related financial difficulties. - **Previous Step**: Typically, before needing this form, the tenant should have responded to a notice from the landlord regarding the unfulfilled obligations. Once the landlord files an unlawful detainer lawsuit against the tenant, the UD-104 form becomes critical. It provides a chance to declare financial distress caused by the pandemic and possibly delay or dismiss the eviction if the court finds that failure to submit the declaration in a timely fashion was excusable. Completing and filing the form promptly can significantly impact the legal outcome of the eviction case.