Eviction Laws

Eviction laws govern the process by which landlords can legally remove tenants from a rental property. These laws vary by state but typically require landlords to have a valid reason for eviction, such as non-payment of rent, violation of lease terms, or illegal activity. Landlords must provide tenants with proper notice of the eviction, which may include a “pay or quit” notice for non-payment of rent or a “cure or quit” notice for lease violations. If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord must file an eviction lawsuit (also known as an unlawful detainer action) in court and obtain a judgment for possession. Tenants have the right to contest the eviction in court and raise defenses, such as the landlord’s failure to maintain the property or retaliation for the tenant’s exercise of legal rights. If the landlord prevails, they can obtain a writ of possession from the court and have the sheriff or other law enforcement officer physically remove the tenant and their belongings from the property.