Overview
The eviction process starts with your landlord giving you a Notice to do or pay something, or to move out. If you don't do what your landlord asks, they can start an eviction case to ask the judge to order you to move out.
After the landlord gives you the Notice it can take 30-45 days, or longer, for the eviction case to end. If you lose the case, the judge can order you to move out of your home.
Select any part to learn more, get step-by-step instructions, and download the forms you'll need.
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1. Get a Notice
Your landlord must give you a written Notice before they ask a judge to order you to move out.
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2. Eviction case starts
If you don't do what the Notice asks, you will get court papers from your landlord to let you know they started an eviction case. You must decide if you will respond, move out, or do nothing.
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3. Respond to the court
If you decide to respond, you must file a form called an Answer (or other legal forms) with the court within 5 days. If you don't, your landlord can ask a judge to order you to move out.
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4. A judge decides
A judge will make a decision. If you didn't file an Answer or other legal forms, the judge will decide without hearing from you. If you filed an Answer you'll have a trial.
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5. After a judge decides
If you lose your case, you can move out or ask the court for more time to move. If you don't move, your landlord can get the sheriff to force you to move out.
