Landlord Guide Updated 2025

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: Never attempt "self-help" evictions like changing locks or shutting off utilities. These are illegal in all 50 states and can result in you paying significant damages to the tenant, even if they owe you rent.

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

State	Non-Payment Notice	Violation Notice	Court Timeline
Alabama	7 days	14 days	7-14 days	View Guide
Alaska	7 days	10 days	10-20 days	View Guide
Arizona	5 days	10 days	5-10 days	View Guide
Arkansas	3 days	14 days	5-10 days	View Guide
California	3 days	3 days	30-45 days	View Guide
Colorado	10 days	10 days	14-21 days	View Guide
Connecticut	3 days	15 days	14-21 days	View Guide
Delaware	5 days	7 days	15-30 days	View Guide
Florida	3 days	7 days	5-15 days	View Guide
Georgia	Immediate	Immediate	7-14 days	View Guide
Hawaii	5 days	10 days	14-21 days	View Guide
Idaho	3 days	3 days	5-12 days	View Guide
Illinois	5 days	10 days	14-21 days	View Guide
Indiana	10 days	Immediate	7-14 days	View Guide
Iowa	3 days	7 days	7-14 days	View Guide
Kansas	3 days	14 days	7-14 days	View Guide
Kentucky	7 days	14 days	7-14 days	View Guide
Louisiana	5 days	5 days	3-7 days	View Guide
Maine	7 days	7 days	14-21 days	View Guide
Maryland	Immediate	30 days	14-21 days	View Guide
Massachusetts	14 days	30 days	30-45 days	View Guide
Michigan	7 days	30 days	10-14 days	View Guide
Minnesota	14 days	14 days	7-14 days	View Guide
Mississippi	3 days	30 days	3-10 days	View Guide
Missouri	Immediate	10 days	7-14 days	View Guide
Montana	3 days	14 days	10-20 days	View Guide
Nebraska	3 days	14 days	7-14 days	View Guide
Nevada	7 days	5 days	14-21 days	View Guide
New Hampshire	7 days	30 days	14-21 days	View Guide
New Jersey	30 days	30 days	30-45 days	View Guide
New Mexico	3 days	7 days	7-14 days	View Guide
New York	14 days	10 days	30-90 days	View Guide
North Carolina	10 days	Immediate	7-10 days	View Guide
North Dakota	3 days	3 days	7-14 days	View Guide
Ohio	3 days	30 days	7-14 days	View Guide
Oklahoma	5 days	10 days	5-10 days	View Guide
Oregon	13 days	14 days	14-30 days	View Guide
Pennsylvania	10 days	15 days	7-21 days	View Guide
Rhode Island	5 days	20 days	14-21 days	View Guide
South Carolina	5 days	14 days	10-14 days	View Guide
South Dakota	3 days	Immediate	5-10 days	View Guide
Tennessee	14 days	14 days	6-14 days	View Guide
Texas	3 days	3 days	7-14 days	View Guide
Utah	3 days	3 days	7-10 days	View Guide
Vermont	14 days	30 days	14-30 days	View Guide
Virginia	5 days	21 days	14-21 days	View Guide
Washington	14 days	10 days	21-30 days	View Guide
West Virginia	Immediate	Immediate	5-10 days	View Guide
Wisconsin	5 days	5 days	5-14 days	View Guide
Wyoming	3 days	Immediate	5-10 days	View Guide

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