How Long Does Eviction Take? Timeline by State 2026
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
- Use correct notice - Right type, right days, right service
- Document everything - Photos, dates, witnesses
- File promptly - Don't wait after notice expires
- Hire an attorney - They know the local process
- 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