Menu
Notices sent by your landlord if you failed to pay rent or have violated a term of your lease are the first steps a landlord takes in the eviction process. Failure to pay past due rents, or correct your behaviors before the set time specified in the notice, could lead to the landlord taking steps to legally evict you. To avoid having a legal eviction on your record it is best to correct your behaviors and avoid losing your housing.
In some cases, your landlord may have decided to terminate your month-to-month lease or to not renew your fixed-term lease. You may face legal eviction if you don’t move out before the given date. Before you panic, ask for help in understanding whether or not you need to move.
If you are being legally evicted, your landlord will file for eviction with the courts. You are then given notice as to the date, time, and place of the eviction hearing. It is very important that you show up in court on this date and time. If you do not show up, the judge will grant your landlord’s request for an eviction order.
If you do show up, you will have an opportunity to request a trial so you can present your defense. If your defense fails, or you don’t have one, then it’s likely the court with grant your landlord’s request for an eviction order. If this happens, the eviction is legal and you must move out.
Going to court can be a scary and confusing situation. It is recommended that you get help from someone who understands landlord-tenant laws and the eviction process to help you.
Residents of other locations should search for Legal Aid Offices in your state and county.