Checklists → I got an eviction notice

I got an eviction notice

An eviction notice is the first step, not the end — a landlord still has to go to court to actually remove you. What you do in the first few days matters a lot.

⏰ Eviction timelines are short — often 3 to 30 days. Do not wait; your response window may be just days.
1

Read exactly what kind of notice it is

A “pay or quit” notice gives you a chance to pay; a “cure” notice lets you fix a violation; a termination notice ends the tenancy. Each has different rights and deadlines.

2

Check the notice for legal defects

Many notices are defective — wrong dates, wrong amounts, improper delivery. A flawed notice can invalidate the eviction. The exact requirements are set by your state.

3

Know your deadline and count the days

Find the date you must act by. Count carefully — some states exclude weekends and holidays.

4

Respond and document

If you can pay or cure, do it and get a receipt. If you dispute it, keep records of why. Never just ignore a court summons if one follows.

5

Look up your local tenant protections

Many cities have just-cause rules, relocation assistance, or eviction-defense programs. Legal aid is often free for tenants.

6

Get the lease and habitability issues reviewed

Withheld repairs or an illegal lease clause can be a defense. Knowing what’s in your lease and what your state requires is leverage.

Let Main AI do this with your actual document.

Upload your notice and Main AI pulls out your specific deadline, what it means, and your exact next step — personalized to your document, not a generic list.

Analyze my document free →