LANDLORD/TENANT EVICTION PROCESS INFORMATION

The following guidelines or information is a general summary of the eviction process as experienced by our office. This is being provided due to the number of calls that we receive with regard to the process. Be mindful of the fact that this is not, nor can we provide, legal advise, and that any questions about, or beyond the information provided may best be addressed by an attorney.

The process begins with what is commonly referred to as a "Three Day Notice". This is a notice by the landlord to the tenant stating generally that notice is given that the tenant has not complied with a term, or terms, of a rental agreement. This may be in terms of rent, care and maintenance, etc. In addition, it may state that if the compliance or terms are not met within three days, that the landlord may, or will initiate legal proceedings to resolve the matter. A "Three Day Notice" is not a formal court paper, per se, and may be served by the landlord, personally, residentially, or certified mail. The landlord may request that service be made by the sheriff, and may be done in the manner requested, i.e.: personal or residential

The notice having been served, the next step in the process is a Summons for Restitution of Premises. This is the "legal proceeding" referred to in the Three Day Notice. This summons process should be prepared by an attorney. As a part of, and included in the summons is a hearing date for the matter to be heard in court. The hearing date is to be set within ten to fourteen days after the filing of the summons.

Pursuant to the summons, the case is heard by the court, and a judgment rendered. This may result in the issuance of a Writ of Restitution. This is a writ which directs the sheriff to restore or return the property or premises to the plaintiff or landlord. This is the actual physical removal of the defendant or tenant and by statute is to be done within ten days after receiving it. We generally attempt to contact the defendants in attempt to allow for voluntary compliance. If, for instance we received the writ on a Thursday or Friday, we may contact the defendant prior to the weekend to allow for this. This is done primarily as a matter of economics. In the event that anticipated or actual expenses are incurred by our office, advance fees may be required.

Generally, the process takes from four to six weeks from the time the "Notice" is served and the Writ of Restitution is executed and returned.
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