File an eviction yourself —
state-by-state guide for landlords
Step-by-step eviction instructions for all 50 states. Know your notice periods, court filing requirements, and tenant rights — without paying $500/hr in attorney fees.
$500–$1,500
Avg. attorney fee per eviction
30–90 days
Typical eviction timeline
50 states
State-specific guides
Attorney not required
In most U.S. states
The eviction process in 3 steps
Serve proper written notice
Deliver the correct notice type (Pay or Quit, Cure or Quit, etc.) using the method required by your state. The clock starts the day after delivery.
File with the court
If the tenant doesn't comply, file an Unlawful Detainer (or equivalent) with your local court. Pay the filing fee and get a hearing date.
Attend the hearing
Bring your notice, lease, and payment records. If you win, the court issues a Writ of Possession and the sheriff can remove the tenant.
All 50 states — pay-or-quit notice periods
AL
Alabama
7d notice
AK
Alaska
7d notice
AZ
Arizona
5d notice
AR
Arkansas
3d notice
CA
California
3d notice
CO
Colorado
10d notice
CT
Connecticut
3d notice
DE
Delaware
5d notice
FL
Florida
3d notice
GA
Georgia
7d notice
HI
Hawaii
5d notice
ID
Idaho
3d notice
IL
Illinois
5d notice
IN
Indiana
10d notice
IA
Iowa
3d notice
KS
Kansas
3d notice
KY
Kentucky
7d notice
LA
Louisiana
5d notice
ME
Maine
7d notice
MD
Maryland
7d notice
MA
Massachusetts
14d notice
MI
Michigan
7d notice
MN
Minnesota
14d notice
MS
Mississippi
3d notice
MO
Missouri
5d notice
MT
Montana
3d notice
NE
Nebraska
7d notice
NV
Nevada
7d notice
NH
New Hampshire
7d notice
NJ
New Jersey
30d notice
NM
New Mexico
3d notice
NY
New York
14d notice
NC
North Carolina
10d notice
ND
North Dakota
3d notice
OH
Ohio
3d notice
OK
Oklahoma
5d notice
OR
Oregon
10d notice
PA
Pennsylvania
10d notice
RI
Rhode Island
5d notice
SC
South Carolina
5d notice
SD
South Dakota
3d notice
TN
Tennessee
14d notice
TX
Texas
3d notice
UT
Utah
3d notice
VT
Vermont
14d notice
VA
Virginia
5d notice
WA
Washington
14d notice
WV
West Virginia
7d notice
WI
Wisconsin
5d notice
WY
Wyoming
3d notice
Important Legal Disclaimer
The information on this site is general legal information only — it is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Eviction laws vary significantly by city, county, and state and change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local court or a licensed attorney before filing. Self-help eviction (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) is illegal in all 50 states and can expose you to significant liability.
Recommended resources
These partners help landlords manage rentals, screen tenants, and access legal forms. Links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Nolo
Landlord legal guides & plain-English eviction books written by attorneys.
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State-specific eviction forms and document packages for landlords.
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Screen tenants with credit, criminal, and eviction history checks before signing a lease.
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