Landlord Guide
Updated 2026
How to Evict a Tenant Legally: Complete Landlord Guide
Learn the legal eviction process step-by-step. This guide covers proper notice requirements, court procedures, and how to protect yourself from liability while removing problem tenants.
Important: Don't try a "self-help" eviction, such as changing the locks, shutting off utilities or removing a tenant's belongings to force them out. Most states forbid it, and a landlord who does it can owe the tenant damages even when rent is unpaid. Texas lets a landlord change the locks of a tenant who is behind on rent, but only if the lease allows it and written notice was given in advance, and the tenant must get a new key at any hour, whether or not they pay (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081).
The Legal Eviction Process
Step 1: Document Everything
- Keep records of all lease violations
- Document missed rent payments
- Take photos of property damage
- Save all communication with tenant
- Note dates and times of incidents
Step 2: Serve Proper Notice
- Use the correct notice type for your state
- Include all legally required information
- Serve notice using approved methods
- Keep proof of service
- Wait full notice period to expire
Step 3: File & Win in Court
- File eviction lawsuit (unlawful detainer)
- Serve tenant with court summons
- Prepare your evidence
- Attend the hearing
- Obtain writ of possession if you win
Select Your State for Specific Laws
Notice periods as LeaseCraft read them in each state's statute at the official source. "Not verified" means LeaseCraft has not confirmed the period there and states none.
| State | Unpaid rent | Lease violation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Not verified | Not verified | View Guide |
| Alaska | Not verified | Not verified | View Guide |
| Arizona | 5 calendar days | 10 calendar days | View Guide |
| Arkansas | Not verified | Not verified | View Guide |
| California | Not verified | Not verified | View Guide |
| Colorado | 10 calendar days | 10 calendar days | View Guide |
| Connecticut | 3 calendar days | Not verified | View Guide |
| Delaware | 7 days | 7 days | View Guide |
| Florida | 3 business days | 7 calendar days | View Guide |
| Georgia | Not verified | Not verified | View Guide |
| Hawaii | 10 calendar days | 10 calendar days | View Guide |
| Idaho | 3 calendar days | 3 calendar days | View Guide |
| Illinois | 5 calendar days | 10 calendar days | View Guide |
| Indiana | 10 calendar days | Lease controls | View Guide |
| Iowa | 3 calendar days | 7 calendar days | View Guide |
| Kansas | 3 calendar days | 14 calendar days | View Guide |
| Kentucky | 7 calendar days | 14 calendar days | View Guide |
| Louisiana | 5 calendar days | Lease controls | View Guide |
| Maine | 7 calendar days | Lease controls | View Guide |
| Maryland | 10 days | 30 days | View Guide |
| Massachusetts | 14 days | Lease controls | View Guide |
| Michigan | 7 days | 7 days | View Guide |
| Minnesota | 14 days | Lease controls | View Guide |
| Mississippi | 3 days | 14 days | View Guide |
| Missouri | No pre-suit notice | Lease controls | View Guide |
| Montana | 3 days | 14 days | View Guide |
| Nebraska | 7 calendar days | 30 days | View Guide |
| Nevada | 7 judicial days | 5 days | View Guide |
| New Hampshire | 7 days | 30 days | View Guide |
| New Jersey | No pre-suit notice | 30 days | View Guide |
| New Mexico | 3 calendar days | 7 calendar days | View Guide |
| New York | 14 calendar days | 10 calendar days | View Guide |
| North Carolina | 10 calendar days | Lease controls | View Guide |
| North Dakota | 3 calendar days | 3 calendar days | View Guide |
| Ohio | 3 calendar days | 30 calendar days | View Guide |
| Oklahoma | 5 calendar days | 15 calendar days | View Guide |
| Oregon | 10 calendar days | 30 calendar days | View Guide |
| Pennsylvania | 10 calendar days | 15 calendar days | View Guide |
| Rhode Island | 5 calendar days | 20 calendar days | View Guide |
| South Carolina | 5 days | 14 days | View Guide |
| South Dakota | No pre-suit notice | No pre-suit notice | View Guide |
| Tennessee | Not verified | Not verified | View Guide |
| Texas | 3 calendar days | 3 calendar days | View Guide |
| Utah | 3 business days | 3 calendar days | View Guide |
| Vermont | 14 days | 30 days | View Guide |
| Virginia | 14 days | 21 days | View Guide |
| Washington | 14 days | 10 days | View Guide |
| West Virginia | No pre-suit notice | No pre-suit notice | View Guide |
| Wisconsin | 5 days | 5 days | View Guide |
| Wyoming | 3 days | 3 days | View Guide |
Need Eviction Documents?
Create eviction notices, lease termination letters, and more from guided forms.