Eviction
Eviction is governed by state law, so the rules depend on where you live: how much written notice a landlord must give, whether they need a reason to end a month-to-month, how the court process works, and what a landlord can never do on their own.
Know your options
- Notice comes first: A landlord must give you a written notice before filing anything. The type and length depend on the reason — unpaid rent versus simply ending a month-to-month tenancy.
- Only a court can evict you: After the notice period, the landlord has to win a court case. A judge’s order, carried out by a sheriff or marshal, is the only lawful way to remove you.
- “Self-help” is illegal everywhere: In every state, a landlord cannot change your locks, remove your belongings, or shut off your utilities to force you out. That is an illegal lockout, and you can sue for it.
- You get a chance to respond: Once a case is filed, you can answer in court — pay what’s owed, fix the problem, or raise defenses like unsafe conditions or improper notice.
Your state’s rules
Pick your state above to see your rules.
Alabama
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 7-day notice to pay or quit.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ written notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files an unlawful detainer; a writ gives 7 days to leave before the sheriff acts.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — self-help can cost a landlord up to 3 months’ rent plus attorney fees.
Alaska
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 7-day notice to quit for unpaid rent.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files a Forcible Entry & Detainer (FED); only a judge can authorize removal (writ of assistance).
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — self-help can cost a landlord triple damages.
Arizona
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 5-day notice to pay or quit.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ written notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files a “special detainer” action; only a constable with a writ of restitution removes you.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a lockout or utility shutoff lets a tenant recover 2 months’ rent or twice the actual damages (ARS § 33-1367).
Arkansas
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 3-day unconditional notice to vacate for unpaid rent (civil path).
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ written notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files an unlawful detainer; only a court order and officer can remove you.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a landlord cannot change locks, cut utilities, or remove belongings without a court order.
California
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 3-day notice to pay or quit.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ notice (under 1 year); 60 days (1 year or more). After 12 months a landlord needs “just cause” to evict (AB 1482).
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files an “unlawful detainer” lawsuit; only the sheriff can carry out the removal.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — lock changes, removing belongings, or utility shutoffs violate Civil Code § 789.3 (up to $100/day plus damages).
Colorado
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 10-day notice to pay or quit.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 21 days’ written notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files an eviction (FED) lawsuit; only a sheriff/marshal can remove you after a court order.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — lockouts, utility shutoffs, or removing belongings are barred; only the sheriff evicts.
Connecticut
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 3-day notice to quit (after a 9-day grace period for month-to-month rent).
- Ending a month-to-month
- A 3-day Notice to Quit ends a month-to-month; some protected tenants require a “good cause” reason.
- How eviction happens
- A state marshal serves the notice; landlord files “summary process” in Superior Court.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a landlord cannot change locks or remove belongings without a court order.
Delaware
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 5-day notice to pay or quit.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 60 days’ written notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files a “summary possession” case in Justice of the Peace Court; served at least 5 days before the hearing.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — self-help can mean actual damages, double the security deposit, and possible criminal charges.
Florida
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 3-day notice to pay or quit (excludes weekends and legal holidays).
- Ending a month-to-month
- 15 days’ notice to end a month-to-month tenancy.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files a county-court eviction; tenant has 5 days to respond; only the sheriff removes you.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — self-help lockouts and utility shutoffs are prohibited (Fla. Stat. § 83.67).
Georgia
- Notice for unpaid rent
- A 3-business-day notice to pay or vacate (HB 404, for residential leases from July 1, 2024).
- Ending a month-to-month
- 60 days’ notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files a “dispossessory” affidavit in magistrate court; a marshal/sheriff carries out any removal.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a landlord cannot change locks or force you out without a court order.
Hawaii
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 5-day notice to pay or quit (10 calendar days from Feb 5, 2026 under Act 278, with mediation triggers).
- Ending a month-to-month
- 45 days’ notice for a landlord to end a month-to-month (a tenant needs 28 days).
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files a “summary possession” case in District Court; only law enforcement carries out a writ of possession.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a landlord cannot lock you out, shut off utilities, or remove belongings without a court order.
Idaho
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 3-day notice to pay or quit.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files in court; a tenant can’t be removed without a judgment and the sheriff.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — changing locks, taking belongings, or cutting heat/electricity is barred.
Illinois
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 5-day notice to pay or quit.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files an eviction complaint; hearing usually within ~14 days; only the sheriff can remove you.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — lockouts, utility shutoffs, or removing belongings without a court order are barred.
Indiana
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 10-day notice to pay or quit.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files in court; only the sheriff can remove you after a writ of restitution.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — lockouts and utility shutoffs are barred; a tenant can recover damages, costs, and attorney’s fees.
Iowa
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 3-day notice to pay or quit.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ written notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files a Forcible Entry & Detainer petition; only the sheriff executes a writ of possession.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a self-help ouster lets a tenant sue for damages and to get back in.
Kansas
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 3-day notice to pay or quit.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files a “forcible detainer” petition; only a court order enforced by an officer removes you.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — lockouts, utility shutoffs, or removing belongings expose a landlord to a damages claim.
Kentucky
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 7-day notice to pay or quit (in URLTA cities); 30 days elsewhere.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files a “forcible detainer”; you have 7 days to leave after a judgment against you.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a landlord cannot turn off utilities, change locks, or remove belongings.
Louisiana
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 5-day notice to vacate (excludes weekends and holidays).
- Ending a month-to-month
- 10 days’ written notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files a “rule for possession”; a hearing is set no sooner than the 3rd day after service; a constable/sheriff removes you.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a landlord cannot change locks or cut utilities; only an officer executes the warrant.
Maine
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 7-day notice to quit for unpaid rent.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ written notice to end an at-will/month-to-month tenancy.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files a Forcible Entry & Detainer (FED) in District Court; only an officer removes you.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a landlord cannot change locks or remove property; you must be evicted through court.
Maryland
- Notice for unpaid rent
- No prior notice is required before filing a “failure to pay rent” case (the court summons serves as notice).
- Ending a month-to-month
- 60 days’ written notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files “summary ejectment” in District Court; only a sheriff/constable can remove you.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a landlord cannot lock you out or shut off utilities; only an officer removes a tenant.
Massachusetts
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 14-day notice to quit for unpaid rent.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ notice (or one full rental period) to end a tenancy-at-will.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files a “summary process” case; only a court order and a sheriff/constable can remove you.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a landlord cannot lock you out or remove you without a judge’s order.
Michigan
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 7-day notice to pay or quit.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ notice to end a month-to-month (MCL § 554.134).
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files “summary proceedings” in district court; hearing ~7–14 days; only a court order removes you.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a lockout or utility shutoff lets a tenant recover triple damages or $200, whichever is greater (MCL § 600.2918).
Minnesota
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 14-day notice to pay or quit (must include financial/legal-help info, since 2024).
- Ending a month-to-month
- One full rental period’s written notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files an eviction action in district court; only a court order can remove you.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a landlord cannot change locks or shut off utilities without a court order.
Mississippi
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 3-day notice to pay or quit.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files in justice/county court; a court order is needed to remove you.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal in practice — a landlord generally cannot lock you out, remove belongings, or cut utilities without a court order.
Missouri
- Notice for unpaid rent
- A “demand for rent” is enough — a landlord can file a rent-and-possession case right after rent is late.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 1 month’s written notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files a “rent and possession” or unlawful-detainer suit; only the sheriff removes you.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a tenant can recover 2 months’ rent or twice the actual damages, whichever is greater.
Montana
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 3-day notice to pay or quit.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ written notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files in court; only a sheriff/marshal can remove you after a writ of possession.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a landlord cannot change locks, cut utilities, or remove belongings.
Nebraska
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 7-day notice to pay or quit.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files a forcible entry & detainer; a writ of restitution, enforced by an officer, removes you.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a tenant locked out can recover up to 3 months’ rent plus attorney fees.
Nevada
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 7-day notice to pay or quit.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Fast “summary eviction”: if you don’t file a tenant’s affidavit in 5 judicial days, a lockout order can issue and a constable removes you.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — self-help is barred (NRS 118A.390), even when rent is owed.
New Hampshire
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 7-day notice to quit for unpaid rent.
- Ending a month-to-month
- A landlord needs “good cause”; a 30-day notice to quit applies for most other reasons.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files a landlord-tenant writ in the Circuit Court; only an officer can remove you.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — RSA 540-A bars lockouts and utility shutoffs; damages plus a $1,000 penalty per violation.
New Jersey
- Notice for unpaid rent
- For unpaid rent, a landlord may file without prior notice (subsidized housing differs).
- Ending a month-to-month
- At least 1 full month’s written notice — and a landlord needs “good cause” under the Anti-Eviction Act to evict most tenants.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files in the Special Civil Part; only a court officer with a warrant can remove you.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a landlord cannot change locks, shut off utilities, or remove doors; only a court officer evicts.
New Mexico
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 3-day notice to pay or quit — one of the shortest in the nation.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ written notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files in court; only a court order removes you.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a tenant can recover one day’s rent for each day locked out, plus other damages.
New York
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 14-day rent demand before a nonpayment case.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 / 60 / 90 days’ notice depending on how long you’ve rented (under 1 year / 1–2 years / 2+ years).
- How eviction happens
- Landlord brings a nonpayment or holdover case; only a marshal or sheriff with a court warrant can remove you.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a criminal misdemeanor; you’re protected after 30 days’ occupancy even without a lease.
North Carolina
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 10-day notice to pay or quit.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 7 days’ notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files a “summary ejectment” case; only the sheriff can carry out a writ of possession.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — lockouts and utility shutoffs are barred; only the sheriff removes a tenant.
North Dakota
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 3-day notice to quit for unpaid rent.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files an eviction complaint; only a writ of restitution, enforced by an officer, removes you.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a landlord cannot lock you out, cut utilities, or confiscate belongings.
Ohio
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 3-day notice to vacate.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files a forcible entry & detainer (FED) case in municipal court; only the court can order removal.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a landlord cannot change locks, shut off utilities, or remove belongings (ORC § 5321.15).
Oklahoma
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 5-day notice to pay or quit.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ written notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files a Forcible Entry & Detainer (FED); a writ then gives 48 hours to move.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — changing locks or shutting off utilities without a court order is barred.
Oregon
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 72-hour notice (after rent is 7 days late) or 144-hour notice (after 5 days).
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ notice in the first year; after a year a landlord needs a qualifying reason (60–90 days).
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files an FED action; only the sheriff can carry out a removal.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a landlord cannot lock you out or shut off services (ORS 90.375 penalties).
Pennsylvania
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 10-day notice for unpaid rent.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ notice to end a month-to-month (15 days for leases of a year or less in some breach cases).
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files before a Magisterial District Judge; hearing in 7–15 days; a constable/sheriff enforces the order.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a landlord cannot change locks, shut off utilities, or remove belongings without a court order.
Rhode Island
- Notice for unpaid rent
- Rent must be 15+ days late, then a 5-day demand notice.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ written notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files in District Court; only a court order and officer can remove you.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a landlord cannot change locks or shut off utilities to force you out.
South Carolina
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 5-day notice to pay or quit.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ written notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files an “application for ejectment” (Rule to Show Cause) in Magistrate Court; only an officer with a writ removes you.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a lockout or utility shutoff exposes a landlord to 3 months’ rent or twice the damages (S.C. Code § 27-40-660).
South Dakota
- Notice for unpaid rent
- No mandatory notice for unpaid rent since 2024 (SB 90) — a landlord may file once rent is late, unless the lease says otherwise.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 15 days’ notice to end a month-to-month (reduced from 30 by SB 89, 2024).
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files a Forcible Entry & Detainer; only an officer carries out a court order.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a tenant can recover 2 months’ rent plus the security deposit.
Tennessee
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 14-day notice to pay or quit (in URLTA counties — the larger ones).
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ notice to end a month-to-month (URLTA counties).
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files a “detainer warrant”; a court order is required before any removal.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — changing locks or shutting off utilities to force you out is barred.
Texas
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 3-day notice to vacate (unless the lease sets a different period).
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ notice to end a month-to-month, then a separate 3-day notice to vacate.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files a forcible-detainer suit; hearing 10–21 days after filing; only a constable/sheriff removes you.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal unless strict Property Code § 92.0081 steps are followed; tenant can recover a month’s rent + $500 plus damages.
Utah
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 3-day notice to pay or quit.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 15 days’ written notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files an unlawful detainer in district/justice court; only a court order removes you.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — self-help lets a tenant recover actual damages and possibly return (Utah Code § 78B-6-814).
Vermont
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 14-day notice for unpaid rent.
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ notice to end a month-to-month (60 days if you’ve rented more than 2 years).
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files an eviction; only proper judicial process can remove you.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a landlord cannot cut utilities or deny you access except through court.
Virginia
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 14-day notice to pay or quit (effective July 1, 2026; previously 5 days).
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ written notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files an unlawful detainer in General District Court; the sheriff carries out any removal.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal for homes — a landlord cannot change locks, cut utilities, or force you out without a court order.
Washington
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 14-day notice to pay or vacate.
- Ending a month-to-month
- No “no-cause” endings — statewide “just cause” is required; most terminations need 20 days’ notice before the period ends.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files an “unlawful detainer” in superior court; only the sheriff removes you.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — lockouts/utility shutoffs expose a landlord to the greater of actual damages or triple the monthly rent (plus $100/day for utilities).
West Virginia
- Notice for unpaid rent
- No statutory notice is required before filing for unpaid rent (many landlords still give ~5 days).
- Ending a month-to-month
- 30 days’ notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files a “wrongful occupation” action; only a court order and officer can remove you.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a landlord cannot change locks, cut utilities, or remove belongings; tenants may sue for damages.
Wisconsin
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 5-day notice to pay or quit (or a 14-day notice to vacate with no chance to cure).
- Ending a month-to-month
- 28 days’ notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files an eviction; only the sheriff can carry out the removal.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a self-help lockout can make a landlord liable for double damages plus the tenant’s attorney fees.
Wyoming
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 3-day notice to pay or quit.
- Ending a month-to-month
- One full rental period (usually 30 days) of written notice to end a month-to-month.
- How eviction happens
- Landlord files a Forcible Entry & Detainer; only law enforcement carries out the removal.
- Landlord lockouts
- Illegal — a landlord cannot lock you out after the 3-day notice; they must go to court.
Educational only — not legal advice. Laws change; confirm the current rule with the linked official source before you rely on it.
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