Facing eviction can feel overwhelming. Select your situation below and this tool will walk you through the notice period that applies, your legal rights, and what steps you can take right now.
What's happening with your housing?
Choose the scenario that best describes your situation. We'll show you the specific rights and timelines that apply.
Non-Payment of Rent
You have the right to pay and stay.
When a landlord files for eviction due to unpaid rent, most jurisdictions require them to give you a "Pay or Quit" notice first. This is your window to catch up and keep your home.
Your Cure Period
3–5 Day "Pay or Quit" Notice
This is the most common notice period for non-payment. Your landlord must give you written notice and a specific number of days (varies by state — commonly 3, 5, or 14 days) to pay the full amount owed before they can file an eviction case in court.
Your rights in this situation
Right to cure
If you pay the full amount owed within the notice period, the landlord generally cannot proceed with eviction. This is called "curing" the default.
Partial payment policies
In some states, if the landlord accepts a partial payment after serving notice, it can void the eviction notice entirely. Know your state's rules.
The landlord must go through court
Even after the notice period expires, your landlord cannot forcibly remove you. They must file an eviction lawsuit and get a court order. You have the right to appear and present your case.
Tip: If you're struggling to pay, contact your landlord in writing to negotiate a payment plan. Many courts also have emergency rental assistance programs. Keep copies of all communication.
Lease Violation
You have the right to fix the issue.
If your landlord claims you've violated your lease — unauthorized pets, noise complaints, property damage, etc. — most states require them to give you a "Notice to Comply" before filing for eviction.
Your Compliance Window
10–30 Day "Cure or Quit" Notice
Your landlord must provide you written notice specifying the exact violation and give you a set number of days (commonly 10, 14, or 30 depending on your state) to fix the problem before they can take legal action.
Your rights in this situation
Right to written specifics
The notice must clearly state what you did wrong and reference the specific lease clause that was violated. Vague accusations are not enough.
Right to cure the violation
If you fix the issue within the notice period — remove the pet, repair the damage, etc. — the eviction process stops and your lease remains intact.
Right to dispute the claim
If you believe the accusation is false, you can contest it. Document your position — take photos, save communications, and gather witness statements if possible.
Tip: Respond in writing — even if you comply. Send your landlord a letter or email confirming the steps you've taken to fix the violation, and keep a copy. This creates a paper trail that protects you.
No-Cause Notice
You still have mandatory notice protections.
In some jurisdictions, a landlord can end a tenancy without stating a reason — but they cannot do it overnight. The law requires them to give you adequate notice based on the length of your tenancy.
Minimum Notice Periods
30 or 60 Day Written Notice
If you've lived there less than 1 year, the landlord must typically give at least 30 days' notice. If you've lived there 1 year or more, many states require 60 days' notice. Some cities with rent control have even stricter protections.
Your rights in this situation
Full notice period must be honored
The clock starts only when you receive proper written notice. Verbal notice doesn't count. If the notice is short by even one day, it may be invalid.
Check for "just cause" protections
Many cities and some states have enacted "just cause eviction" laws that prohibit no-cause evictions entirely, especially for tenants who have lived in a unit for more than a year.
Look for retaliation red flags
Did you recently request repairs, complain about conditions, or contact a housing authority? A no-cause notice filed shortly after could be illegal retaliation.
Tip: Check your local tenant protection laws — especially if you're in a city with rent control or just-cause eviction ordinances. These can make a no-cause notice entirely unenforceable.
This tool is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Eviction laws vary by state and municipality. When in doubt, consult with a licensed attorney or your local legal aid office.
