How an eviction notice works, step by step

An eviction is a legal process, and in almost every state it begins with a written notice to the tenant. The notice is not the eviction itself — it is the formal first step that tells the tenant there is a problem and gives them a chance to fix it or leave.

What the notice must say

• The tenant's name and the property
• The reason for the notice
• The amount owed, for a non-payment notice
• The number of days the tenant has to respond or leave
• The date the notice is served

What happens next

If the tenant fixes the problem or moves out within the period, the matter ends. If they do not, the landlord files the case in court, and the tenant is served with a summons. The notice is the foundation the whole process builds on.

Every notice on this site is structured with the fields your state needs. Fill them in, serve the notice, and keep proof.