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Housing & Eviction
Understanding the eviction process, tenant rights, and landlord obligations
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Learn the basics
The eviction process
Eviction follows a legal process: written notice, court filing, hearing, judgment, and enforcement. A landlord cannot skip steps or use self-help eviction (changing locks, shutting off utilities).
Key tenant rights
You have the right to proper written notice, habitable living conditions, protection from retaliation, freedom from discrimination under the Fair Housing Act, and the right to appear and respond in court.
If you received a notice
Read the notice carefully and note any deadlines. Do not ignore it — missing a court date usually results in a default judgment. Gather your lease, rent receipts, photos, and communications with your landlord.
General legal information only — not legal advice. For urgent matters, contact a local legal aid organization.