What should I do if I get an eviction notice?

Key takeaways

• Answer first, then the official source.
• State law does the heavy lifting in the United States.
• Court papers are same-day work.

Do this today

1. Read the direct answer on this page.
2. Search your state to confirm the chapter.
3. Call legal aid if a court is named.

What this page is not

• Not a national deadline chart.
• Not a law firm.
• Not legal advice.

Confirm it locally

Caps, clocks, and entry hours live in your state chapter. Search below, or take the paper to legal aid if a court is named.

Terms on this page

Legal aid · Lockout

People also ask

• How do I find free legal help as a renter?
• Can my landlord enter without notice?
• How do I get my security deposit back?
• Does Renter Protection give legal advice?
• Is a landlord notice the same as being evicted?
• What number should I call right now?

Official sources

• LawHelp.orgFree legal aid by state. Start here for court papers.
• HUD tenant rightsFederal floor and state HUD pages.
• Cornell LII landlord-tenant tableIndex of official state chapters. We name the chapter; we do not paraphrase a number out of it.
• 211Local rent, shelter, food, and utilities, in many languages.