Evictions don’t happen overnight.
The timeline depends on multiple factors—state laws, the reason for eviction, and whether the tenant fights back.
On average, the process takes anywhere from three weeks to six months.
Below is a step-by-step breakdown of how long each stage of an eviction typically takes.
1. Serving the Eviction Notice (3-30 Days)
Before filing anything in court, the landlord must give the tenant official written notice.
Timeframes for Different Notices:
- Pay or Quit Notice – 3-7 days (for unpaid rent).
- Cure or Quit Notice – 7-14 days (for lease violations).
- Unconditional Quit Notice – Immediate removal (for severe violations).
- Notice to Vacate – 30-60 days (for no-fault evictions).
If the tenant fixes the issue—pays rent or corrects a lease violation—the eviction may not proceed.
If they ignore the notice, the landlord moves to the next step.
2. Filing the Eviction Lawsuit (5-30 Days)
If the tenant doesn’t comply, the landlord must file a formal eviction lawsuit in court.
What Happens in This Step?
- The landlord files a Complaint for Eviction.
- The tenant must be legally served with court papers (5-10 days required for service).
- The court sets a hearing date, typically within 1-4 weeks.
Some states require mediation before trial, which can extend this step further.
A backlogged court system can also cause delays.
3. Court Hearing & Judgment (7-30 Days)
Once the case reaches court, a judge will decide whether the eviction is valid.
Possible Outcomes:
- Landlord wins – The court issues a Writ of Possession (final removal order).
- Tenant wins – Eviction is dismissed due to legal errors by the landlord.
- Tenant appeals – This can delay the eviction for weeks or months.
If the tenant doesn’t show up, the landlord typically wins by default.
In tenant-friendly states, hearings can be postponed multiple times.
4. Writ of Possession & Tenant’s Final Move-Out Notice (3-10 Days)
If the landlord wins the case, the court will issue a Writ of Possession, giving the tenant a final deadline to leave.
How Long Does the Tenant Have to Move Out?
- 3-5 days – Most states require the tenant to leave immediately.
- 7-10 days – Some states provide extra time before law enforcement gets involved.
This is the tenant’s last chance to vacate before forced removal.
If they refuse to leave, the sheriff is brought in.
5. Sheriff Lockout & Physical Eviction (5-14 Days)
If the tenant still doesn’t move out, law enforcement carries out the eviction.
Final Removal Process:
- The sheriff posts a final warning (usually 24-72 hours).
- If the tenant remains, the sheriff physically removes them.
- The landlord changes the locks to prevent re-entry.
Any belongings left behind are handled according to state laws.
At this stage, resisting removal could lead to arrest.
Total Timeframe for an Eviction: 3 Weeks to 6+ Months
Eviction timelines vary based on court schedules, local laws, and tenant response.
Average Eviction Timelines:
- Fastest cases: 3-4 weeks (if the tenant doesn’t contest).
- Typical cases: 4-8 weeks (if the case goes to court).
- Delayed cases: 2-6 months (if the tenant appeals or fights back).
The longer the tenant fights, the longer the process takes.
In states like California and New York, evictions often take six months or more.
How Tenants Can Delay an Eviction
Some tenants know how to use the legal system to delay the process.
Common Delay Tactics:
- Requesting a court hearing (even if they know they’ll lose).
- Filing an appeal (which can add weeks or months).
- Claiming poor living conditions, triggering an inspection.
- Seeking rental assistance, which can pause the eviction.
- Filing for bankruptcy, which immediately halts eviction under federal law.
A tenant who understands the system can delay eviction for months.
Landlords need to act fast and follow legal procedures carefully to avoid unnecessary setbacks.
Final Takeaway: Evictions Take Time, But the Process Can Be Managed
The fastest evictions happen when tenants don’t fight back.
The longest evictions occur when tenants know how to delay the process.
Typical Eviction Timeline:
- Eviction Notice: 3-30 days.
- Filing the Lawsuit: 5-30 days.
- Court Hearing & Judgment: 7-30 days.
- Writ of Possession Issued: 3-10 days.
- Sheriff Lockout & Final Removal: 5-14 days.
Fastest cases: 3-4 weeks. Typical cases: 4-8 weeks. Contested cases: 6+ months.
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