The referee shall have the authority to enter a default judgment against the defendant when the defendant fails to appear after timely notice and the referee has a sworn statement showing a prima facie case against the defendant. The defendant shall be notified of a default judgment, the procedure to be followed in setting aside the judgment, and his rights and obligations with respect to the judgment at his last known address by regular mail delivery. The time in which the defendant must act to set aside or appeal the default judgment shall commence to run on the day the certificate of mailing is dated. (Prior code § 1-6-18)