How Long Does Eviction Take? 2-12 Weeks by State [2026 Timeline]

How Long Does the Eviction Process Take?

The eviction timeline varies dramatically by state—from as little as 2 weeks in some areas to 6+ months in others. Understanding your state's process helps you plan financially and set realistic expectations.

Average Eviction Timeline Overview

Fastest States (2-4 Weeks)

• Texas: 2-3 weeks
• Louisiana: 2-3 weeks
• Virginia: 3-4 weeks
• Georgia: 2-4 weeks
• Tennessee: 3-4 weeks

Medium States (1-2 Months)

• Florida: 4-6 weeks
• Arizona: 4-6 weeks
• Colorado: 5-7 weeks
• Illinois: 4-8 weeks
• Michigan: 5-8 weeks

Slowest States (2-6+ Months)

• New York: 3-6 months
• California: 2-4 months
• New Jersey: 2-4 months
• Massachusetts: 2-4 months
• Washington: 2-3 months

The Eviction Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Serve Notice (3-30 Days)

Timeline depends on:

• Type of notice (pay or quit, cure or quit)
• State requirements
• Proper service method

Step 2: File Lawsuit (1-3 Days)

After notice expires:

• Prepare unlawful detainer complaint
• Pay filing fees ($50-$400)
• File with local court

Step 3: Serve Summons (1-7 Days)

• Tenant must be served
• They get time to respond (5-30 days)
• Contested cases take longer

Step 4: Court Hearing (1-4 Weeks)

• Some states have mandatory waiting periods
• Contested hearings may require multiple dates
• Judge issues ruling

Step 5: Obtain Judgment (Same Day - 2 Weeks)

• If you win, request writ of possession
• Some states have appeal periods

Step 6: Sheriff Execution (1-2 Weeks)

• Schedule lockout with sheriff
• Tenant removed from property
• You can change locks

Factors That Slow Down Evictions

Tenant Defenses

• Improper notice claims
• Habitability issues
• Retaliation allegations
• Discrimination claims

Court Backlogs

• Urban areas have longer waits
• Holiday periods slow things down
• Pandemic backlogs still affecting some courts

Procedural Errors

• Wrong notice period
• Improper service
• Missing documentation
• Incorrect filing

Cost of Eviction by State

State	Filing Fee	Attorney Fees	Total Estimate
Texas	$50-150	$300-800	$400-1,000
California	$75-400	$800-2,000	$1,000-3,000
New York	$45-95	$1,000-3,000	$1,500-4,000
Florida	$185-300	$500-1,500	$700-2,000

How to Speed Up the Process

1. Use correct notice - Right type, right days, right service
2. Document everything - Photos, dates, witnesses
3. File promptly - Don't wait after notice expires
4. Hire an attorney - They know the local process
5. Appear at all hearings - Adjournments delay everything

Alternatives to Eviction

Consider these options:

• Cash for keys - Pay tenant to leave voluntarily
• Payment plan - If they can catch up
• Mutual termination - Both parties agree to end lease

Related Resources

• Eviction Notice Templates - Start the process right
• Pay or Quit Guide
• Late Fee Calculator - Calculate what's owed
• 30-Day Notice - For month-to-month tenancies

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Further Reading: Learn about whether a landlord can evict without a written lease — state-by-state analysis of implied lease rights. See the complete guide on how to write a compliant eviction notice (2026). Also see What Is Adverse Possession? for the legal doctrine behind long-term occupancy claims.