Your landlord just posted an eviction notice on your door. Your heart sank. You have more rights than you think — but also much less time than you think. This guide walks through what type of notice you got, how long you have to respond, and exactly what steps to take to stay in your home or negotiate a peaceful exit.
Ark reads your notice, identifies the type, your state deadline, and the defenses available to you — all in plain English.
Scan My Eviction Notice FreeNot all eviction notices mean the same thing. The type of notice determines your deadline, your defenses, and whether you need to move. Check the top of your notice for one of these headings:
You owe rent. You have a short window (typically 3 to 14 days depending on state) to pay the full amount or vacate. If you pay in full, the notice is typically cured and the landlord cannot proceed.
You allegedly violated the lease (unauthorized pet, noise, unauthorized occupant). You have a window to fix the violation or move out.
Used for severe violations: repeat offenses, illegal activity, major lease breach. No cure option — you must leave by the deadline or the landlord files for eviction.
Landlord is ending a month-to-month tenancy with no particular reason. Typically requires 30 to 90 days' notice depending on state and tenancy length. Rent control laws in some cities limit no-cause evictions.
Typical deadlines for the most common notice types. Always verify with your specific notice and local rules.
| State | Pay or Quit | No-Cause (Mo-to-Mo) |
|---|---|---|
| California | 3 days | 30-60 days (length-dependent) |
| New York | 14 days | 30-90 days (length-dependent) |
| Texas | 3 days | 30 days |
| Florida | 3 days | 15 days |
| Illinois | 5 days | 30 days |
| Pennsylvania | 10 days | 15-30 days |
| Ohio | 3 days | 30 days |
| Georgia | Immediate (demand) | 60 days |
| Michigan | 7 days | 30 days |
| North Carolina | 10 days | 7-30 days |
| Virginia | 5 days | 30 days |
| Washington | 14 days | 20 days |
| Massachusetts | 14 days | 30 days |
| Arizona | 5 days | 30 days |
| Colorado | 10 days | 21-91 days (length-dependent) |
Count days carefully. Some states count calendar days, some count business days, and some exclude the day of service. Weekends and holidays often extend deadlines. If in doubt, assume the shorter deadline.
Upload your notice to Ark. We'll tell you the type, your deadline, and defenses available in your state.
Scan My NoticePay the exact amount stated in the notice, in full, within the deadline. Use a traceable method — certified check, money order with receipt, or online payment with confirmation. Keep proof. Many states require the landlord to accept payment and stop the eviction if you pay within the cure period.
Contact local rental assistance programs immediately. Every state has emergency rental assistance funds. Local nonprofits, United Way 211, and state housing agencies can help. Apply the same day you receive the notice.
Don't ignore it — respond in writing to the landlord disputing the claim, AND prepare for court. If the landlord files an unlawful detainer, you'll need to file an answer quickly (5–20 days in most states, much less than the original notice period).
Even if you owe rent or violated the lease, you may have defenses that stop or delay eviction. Common ones include:
If you don't move out and don't cure the violation, the landlord files an eviction case (called unlawful detainer, forcible entry and detainer, or summary process, depending on state). Here's the typical timeline:
You can represent yourself, but in many states, legal aid organizations provide free eviction defense. Contact your local legal aid office the day you receive the notice.
Federal COVID eviction moratoriums ended in 2021. Some cities and states had longer protections that have also expired. However, if you were protected during a moratorium period and the rent was forgiven or reallocated, the landlord cannot now collect or evict for that period. Check your state's specific legislation.
Gather proof of payment (canceled checks, bank statements, receipts, emails). Respond in writing immediately disputing the notice, attaching proof. If the landlord proceeds to court anyway, bring all documentation to the hearing. Improper notice based on false claims of nonpayment is a strong defense.
No. "Self-help eviction" — changing locks, shutting off utilities, removing your belongings, or physically removing you — is illegal in every state. Only a sheriff or marshal enforcing a court order can lawfully remove you. Self-help eviction is grounds for damages claims against the landlord.
Varies widely. Contested cases can take 2–6 weeks in fast jurisdictions (Texas, Florida, Arizona), 1–3 months in slower ones (California, New York), and longer in cities with robust tenant protections. Filing an answer and raising defenses generally extends the timeline.
Yes. Filed eviction cases (even ones you win) can appear in tenant screening reports for 7 years in most states. Some states allow sealing or expungement in specific circumstances — especially for dismissed cases or cases where the tenant won. Ask about sealing after the case resolves.
Breaking a lease is different from eviction. If you leave early, the landlord can sue you for unpaid rent through the remainder of the lease, minus what they collect from a new tenant (the duty to mitigate). Work out a written lease termination or payment plan with the landlord if possible, to avoid both eviction and breach damages.
Ark reads your eviction notice and gives you a plain-English breakdown: the type, your deadline, your defenses, and what to do next.
Upload My Notice FreeDisclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice. Eviction law varies significantly by state, city, and specific case facts. If you're at risk of losing your home, contact a local legal aid organization or attorney.
Related emergency guides: I got served with a lawsuit — what do I do? • What to do after wrongful termination