Quick answer
Read the notice for its type and deadline, then call free legal aid and your local rent assistance line the same day. In most states a landlord needs a court order before you can be removed, and changing locks or shutting off utilities to force you out is generally not allowed. If a court date is set, go: missing it can mean losing by default.
Read what kind of notice it is
| Notice says | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Pay or quit | Pay the past-due rent by the date or the landlord may file in court |
| Cure or quit | Fix a lease problem by the date |
| Notice to vacate or terminate | The landlord wants the unit back; a court filing may follow |
| Summons or complaint | A court case has been filed. There is a deadline to respond and a hearing date |
Names and deadlines differ by state, so take the paper with you when you talk to legal aid.
Your first 72 hours
- Call legal aid. The Legal Services Corporation has a finder for free civil legal help. Many cities also run tenant hotlines and tenant representation programs.
- Apply for rent help at the same time. Tell 211 and any rent program you have a notice and the date. Many prioritize households with filings.
- Talk to your landlord in writing. Offer a dated payment plan. If they accept, ask them to stop or dismiss the case in writing.
- Pay what you can, by a traceable method. Keep receipts. Do not pay cash without a receipt.
- Calendar the court date. Bring the lease, notices, receipts, texts and any program approval letters.
If you need to move
A HUD-approved housing counselor can help you plan a move and look for affordable units. Leaving before a judgment can sometimes keep an eviction record off your history; legal aid can tell you how it works where you live.
Could a payment stop the filing?
If your landlord will accept the past-due amount, see what licensed lenders can offer before the court date.
Common questions
Can my landlord lock me out without going to court?
In most states, no. Lockouts, removing your belongings or cutting utilities to force you out are generally prohibited. Legal aid can tell you the rule in your state and what to do if it happens.
How long does an eviction take?
It varies widely by state and court, from a few weeks to a few months. The notice period and court schedule set the pace.
Will paying the rent stop an eviction?
Often, if the landlord accepts it before judgment and the case is about unpaid rent. Get the agreement to dismiss in writing.
Where these facts come from
- Legal Services Corporation: find free legal aid
- CFPB: help for renters
- HUD: find a housing counselor
- 211.org: local help with rent, food and bills
- HUD: rental assistance
Sources checked October 10, 2026. Programs and rules change; confirm details with the agency or company before you act.
Disclosures
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