Index: All Pages

Options when you get a Notice

For a landlord to legally evict you they first have to give you a Notice that gives you a chance to fix a problem (like not paying the rent or stopping doing things that are illegal), or move out. When you get a Notice, you have options for how to respond before your landlord starts a court case.

Get help deciding what to do

If you need help to understand the options or aren't sure what to do, there are people who can help you decide. Find legal and housing help.

Options to think about

Talk with your landlord

Sometimes you can work with your landlord to resolve the problem and be able to stay in your home. You may be able to work with a mediator, a neutral third party who is specially trained to help people come to an agreement. They may be able to help you and your landlord agree without going to court.

  • Pros
    If you negotiate, you may be able to:
    • Avoid going to court 
    • Avoid having an eviction on your credit record 
    • Stay in your home 
    • Create a better relationship with your landlord
  • Cons
    • It can be hard to talk to your landlord when you're stressed out about having to move
    • It may take a lot of time 

Do what the Notice asks

If you're able to do what the Notice asks you to do, like pay rent that you owe, or remove a pet from the home that you're not supposed to have, that may be the best thing to do.

  • Pros
    • You won't have to go to court or respond to your landlord's eviction lawsuit
    • You won't have an eviction judgment on your credit record 
  • Cons

     

    • You may have to use money that you need for other things to pay past due rent
    • It may be difficult or expensive to do what the landlord asked in their notice (like find a new home for a pet or make repairs)

Move out

In some situations, the best thing to do is go ahead and move out before the Notice expires.

  • Pros
    • You won't have to go to court or respond to your landlord's eviction lawsuit
    • You won't have an eviction judgment on your credit record
  • Cons
    • You won't be able to tell your side of the story to the judge 
    • It may be difficult or expensive to find a place to live on short notice
    • If you owe your landlord money they can still sue you for the money and that can go on your credit record
Choose to do nothing

If you decide to do nothing after receiving the Notice, your landlord will probably start an eviction (unlawful detainer) court case against you.

  • Pros
    • You have until the Notice deadline to solve the problem
    • You can use the time to try to find a place to live
  • Cons
    • If you don't do what the Notice asks before the time in the Notice runs out, the landlord can start a court case against you called an eviction case
    • If your landlord starts an eviction case against you and wins you'll have an eviction on your credit record
success alert banner:

Have a question about Eviction?

Look for a "Chat Now" button in the right bottom corner of your screen. If you don’t see it, disable any pop-up/ad blockers on your browser.