Eviction Notice: What Happens If You Get One? (2026)

What an Eviction Notice Is

A notice of eviction is a written document from a landlord to a tenant. It tells the tenant that their landlord has started the process of removing them from the rental property.

Many notices will allow you to fix a lease violation or other problem. If you address the issue, you might be able to stay in your home.

Common Reasons for an Eviction Notice

These are some of the most common reasons landlords evict tenants:

• The tenant stopped paying rent.
• The tenant has repeatedly violated the lease.
• The tenant has received numerous warnings about excessive noise.
• The tenant has damaged the property.

Landlords sometimes evict tenants for “no-fault” reasons, too. For example, if the property owner wants to move into the rental property themselves, they might order current renters to leave.

Types of Eviction Notices

For a landlord, evicting a tenant is more complex than it seems. A landlord needs to choose what type of notice to send. These are some of the most common:

• Cure or Quit: Tells a tenant to fix a lease violation (like ongoing noise complaints) or leave
• Pay Rent or Quit: Tells the tenant to pay all of their past-due rent or move out
• Unconditional Quit: Tells the tenant to leave without giving them an option to keep their tenancy

Both “cure or quit” and “unconditional quit” notices are usually used for non-monetary violations. However, unconditional quit notices are for more serious lease violations, like violence on the property.

What an Eviction Notice Must Include

These notices usually must include the following:

• Basic information about the tenant and property
• Landlord’s name and contact info
• Date of the notice
• The reason the notice was created
• What action is required

Notices will also give an exact deadline for a tenant to respond to the notice or move out.

How an Eviction Notice Is Served

Once they’ve prepared the notice, the landlord must start the eviction process by serving the notice on the tenant. Each state has its own rules for service, but landlords can often hand the notice to the tenant, mail it to them or use a process server.

Eviction Notice vs. Non-Renewal Notice

A non-renewal notice, sometimes called a lease termination letter, isn’t the same as a notice of eviction. If a landlord wants to end a month-to-month tenancy or refuse to renew a lease for another year, they may send a lease termination letter.

What to Do After Receiving an Eviction Notice

If you get this notice, the first thing to do is take a deep breath. The notice doesn't mean you have to move out right now.

Check the reason for your eviction and see if there’s any action you can take to keep your home. When you do your best to stay calm and focus on solutions, you’ll be better equipped to protect yourself and keep a roof over your head.