How to Write an Eviction Notice

The steps below are general directions on how to write an eviction notice. Be sure to check with the eviction laws in the city where your rental units are located. If the notice is filled out incorrectly, lacks information or is filed wrongly, the eviction can be dismissed and then you'll have to start over. Also, be sure you can legally evict the person. Many cities will only evict on the basis of missed rent.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Get a copy of a 3-day notice with a carbon-copy attachment so you'll have two copies. Otherwise, you'll have to write out the eviction notice and then photocopy it before posting it. The 3-day you post and the 3-day you file with the eviction court must be identical copies.

2. Fill out the 3-day notice with all the information legally required. That information will include: the name of the tenants, the address of the rental unit including city and county, the amount they owe, the month they last paid rent, the current date and a number where the tenants can reach you. It may also include the type of structure the unit is located in and the names of any people living there that are not on the lease. Use blue or black pen since the notice will need to be photocopied for the court.

3. Sign the 3-day notice, and be sure to write a phone number. Whoever signs the 3-day has to be the same person who delivers it, and the same person who appears in court if the tenant has to be evicted. If you are the property manager and not the owner, sign your name and then write "manager" after your name.

4. Go to the person's home. You can either knock on the door and hand the notice to the person being evicted, or you can tape the notice to the front door in a highly visible place.

5. After 3 business days, if the tenant has not responded or come up with the back owed amount, you can take your copy of the 3-day notice and file for an eviction at your local courthouse. You'll need to pay a fee to the court, and then they will give you a court date.

Tips & Warnings

• If you would rather post the eviction notice on the door instead of confronting the tenants, it is best to post it early in the morning when they are either still sleeping or getting ready for their day.
• Once you've posted the 3-day, if you accept any money from the tenants, even if it isn't the whole amount, you cannot evict them. You'll have to wait until the next month and post a new eviction notice.

Resources

• Custom eviction notices