{"id":369284,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:19","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/what-does-the-landlord-need-to-do-to-evict-the-tenant.html"},"modified":"2026-09-18T11:37:00","modified_gmt":"2026-09-18T16:37:00","slug":"what-does-the-landlord-need-to-do-to-evict-the-tenant","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/what-does-the-landlord-need-to-do-to-evict-the-tenant.html","title":{"rendered":"How to Lawfully Evict a Tenant in 3 Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How to Lawfully Evict a Tenant in 3 Steps<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n
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Landlords must follow their state\u2019s formal eviction process, starting with a legally valid reason and proper written notice to the tenant. If the renter doesn\u2019t comply, the landlord must file an eviction lawsuit and obtain a court order before regaining possession of the property. Law enforcement can enforce that order if necessary.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Property owners, landlords, and property managers must use the eviction process to evict a tenant from their rental units. They cannot use self-help or harassment to evict a tenant.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This article outlines some basic steps landlords must follow to evict a tenant. This information can get you started, but is not a substitute for legal advice. The eviction process varies by state, so anyone considering evicting a tenant<\/a> should check their state laws first or consult a local landlord-tenant attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\n

1. Determine the Reason for the Potential Eviction<\/h2>\n

Before you start the eviction process, make sure you have a legally valid reason to evict the renter. People often think unpaid rent is the only reason to evict a tenant<\/a>. That is not true. The following are a few examples of legally valid reasons for starting the process:<\/p>\n