The eviction process for tenants
Overview
The eviction process for tenants
The eviction process starts when your landlord gives you a written Notice. This Notice tells you to do something—like pay rent—or to move out.
If you don’t do what the Notice says, your landlord can start a court case to ask a judge to order you to move out.
After the landlord gives you the Notice, it can take 30 to 45 days—or longer—for the judge to decide. If you lose the case, the judge can order you to move out of your home.
Select any step to learn more, get instructions, and download the forms you may need.
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1. Get a Notice
Your landlord must give you a written Notice before they can ask a judge to make you move out.
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2. Eviction case starts
If you don’t do what the Notice says, your landlord can file court papers to start an eviction case. You will get a copy of these papers. You must choose what to do: Respond to the court, move out, or do nothing.
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3. Respond to the court
If you want to stay in your home, you must file court papers. One of the forms is called an Answer. You must file your papers within 10 days. If you don’t, the judge can decide the case without hearing from you.
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4. A judge decides
The judge will look at the case and make a decision. If you filed an Answer, you will have a trial. If you didn’t, the judge can decide without you.
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5. After a judge decides
If you lose the case, you can move out, or ask the court for more time to move. If you don’t move, your landlord can ask the sheriff to make you move out.