Eviction notices
A notice is not an eviction yet
A landlord's letter says what they want. Only a judge can order a renter out, and between the letter and the order there are steps, each with a date. Missing one is what hurts people.
Bring everything that has a date on it: the notice, any court summons, the lease and your last rent receipts. If you were locked out or your things were moved outside, call us the same day.
What we help with
Notices to pay or leave, and notices to end a tenancy
Court summons and hearing dates
Lockouts, shut-off utilities and belongings left outside
Settlements and move-out agreements, before you sign
The usual order
Five steps from letter to order
Names and timelines differ by county, so treat this as a map. We read your papers and tell you which step you are on.
- 01
Step 1: The notice
The landlord gives written notice. The notice says what they claim and how long you have to answer.
- 02
Step 2: The court papers
If the landlord files, the court sends a summons with a hearing date. Do not ignore it.
- 03
Step 3: The hearing
A judge hears both sides. Bring your lease, rent records and photos. A lawyer can speak for you.
- 04
Step 4: The order
If the judge rules for the landlord, an order sets a date to leave. There is often a short window to ask for more time.
- 05
Step 5: The move
Only after the order can an officer remove a renter. A landlord moving your things out first has skipped steps.
Short answers about eviction papers
Do I have to leave when the notice runs out?
Usually not. The end of a notice period lets the landlord start a court case; it rarely lets them remove you on their own.
Should I stop paying rent to push for repairs?
Not without talking to a lawyer first. Withholding rent can give a landlord a reason to file. We tell you what the lease and local rules allow.
What if I already signed something?
Bring it. Some agreements can still be changed, and we can tell you what you agreed to.
Can the clinic stop an eviction?
Sometimes. Often we get more time, a payment plan or a record that doesn't hurt your next application. We can't promise any outcome.
Bring the notice. We'll read it today.
Send a photo of the paper and the date you got it. A lawyer reads it and replies on the next business day.