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What is Involved in the Eviction Process?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

Eviction is a process by which a landlord or property owner requires a tenant to vacate the premises. Laws regarding the eviction process vary from region to region; it is extremely important to study local laws carefully when enacting or facing an eviction. Several issues can affect the eviction process, including rental contract agreements and regional laws.

Typically, the eviction process begins with a written notification from the landlord to the tenant. This notice will usually state the reason for eviction as well as the date on which the tenant must leave. Reasons for the eviction may include failure to pay rent or maintain property, evidence of illegal activity, or failure to comply with the rental contract. In some areas, no reason is legally required for eviction, especially if the tenant is on a month-to-month rental contract instead of a lease.

A 30 day notice of eviction is usually posted on an apartment's door.
A 30 day notice of eviction is usually posted on an apartment's door.

The amount of time between posting a notice and the date of eviction may vary depending on the reason behind the eviction. In some areas, refusal to pay rent or evidence of harassment may give the landlord leeway to evict the tenant within a few days. Some landlords may also give the tenant a period of time in which the error causing the eviction can be corrected.

Several issues can affect the eviction process, including rental agreements.
Several issues can affect the eviction process, including rental agreements.

In some regions, the tenant may be able to fight the eviction through legal proceedings. Failure to give notice, discrimination, or evidence of harassment by the landlord may all give a tenant grounds to dispute the eviction in court. Many legal experts advise retaining counsel at once if an illegal eviction process begins; tenants should also be certain to keep all documents, messages, or receipts from transactions with the landlord in order to build a case against eviction.

Landlords cannot physically remove a tenant from the rented property until an official eviction notice has been served.
Landlords cannot physically remove a tenant from the rented property until an official eviction notice has been served.

If a tenant stays on the property past the eviction date, a landlord can file legal documents that allow immediate removal. At this point, law enforcement may be called to oversee the eviction process, if necessary. Laws regarding any possessions left in the rental property can vary; some areas require that the landlord return or store the items for the tenant, while others consider any remaining items to be abandoned and permit seizure by law enforcement.

Video evidence of a tenant committing a violation can help with the eviction process.
Video evidence of a tenant committing a violation can help with the eviction process.

Although the landlord owns the property, he or she typically does not have the right to force a tenant out by changing locks or shutting off utilities. In almost all areas, a landlord is prohibited from physically forcing a tenant out, or harming or threatening them in anyway. Since forced evictions typically involve heated tempers, the presence of law enforcement may serve as a safety measure and a witness for both landlord and tenant.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a MyLawQuestions writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a MyLawQuestions writer.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon86008

I live in an 24/7 manned and gated HOA and one owner is in default of assessments and has stated he is walking away from the property.

He has allowed someone to inhabit the property and is not in compliance with the governing documents and has not followed the written protocol for renter approval by the HOA. The unauthorized occupants have become abusive and non-compliant.

How quickly and what can we do to get them out as soon as possible?

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    • A 30 day notice of eviction is usually posted on an apartment's door.
      By: bagraphix
      A 30 day notice of eviction is usually posted on an apartment's door.
    • Several issues can affect the eviction process, including rental agreements.
      By: andiafaith
      Several issues can affect the eviction process, including rental agreements.
    • Landlords cannot physically remove a tenant from the rented property until an official eviction notice has been served.
      By: Mikael Damkier
      Landlords cannot physically remove a tenant from the rented property until an official eviction notice has been served.
    • Video evidence of a tenant committing a violation can help with the eviction process.
      By: Volodymyr Shevchuk
      Video evidence of a tenant committing a violation can help with the eviction process.