Straight answers about evicting a tenant
No legalese, no fake urgency, and no template upsell. What the process actually is, what it actually costs, and the things that will get you sued if you do them.
Got a real case right now?
Tell us where the property is. Georgia we handle directly; elsewhere we'll point you the right way.
The questions landlords actually ask
How to Evict a Tenant
You cannot remove a tenant yourself. Every state requires a court process: give the required notice, file the case in th…
How Long Does an Eviction Take?
It depends on your state, your court's calendar, and whether the tenant contests. Some stages are fixed by statute and n…
How Much Does an Eviction Cost?
The court filing fee is the smallest number in an eviction. The real cost is lost rent during the vacancy, plus the seto…
Eviction Process Step by Step
Seven stages, in this order: grounds, notice, filing, service, response period, judgment, writ and setout. Skipping or r…
What Is a Dispossessory?
A dispossessory is what Georgia calls an eviction case. Filing a dispossessory affidavit in the magistrate court of the …
What Is a Writ of Possession?
A writ of possession is the court order that authorizes law enforcement to remove the tenant and return the property to …
Can a Landlord Change the Locks?
No. Changing the locks to force a tenant out is an illegal lockout in every state. It can expose you to damages, penalti…
Can a Landlord Remove Tenant Belongings?
Not on your own. Removing or disposing of a tenant's property outside the court process is illegal self-help in every st…
Tenant Stopped Paying Rent
Start the clock immediately, but start it correctly. Send the notice your state requires, document how you delivered it,…
Eviction timeline estimator
Tell it where your case stands and it gives you a realistic range plus the specific thing most likely to stall you next.
Eviction cost estimator
Itemizes the costs that will apply to your situation — including the lost rent most landlords leave out of the math entirely.
Frequently asked
Can I evict a tenant without going to court?
No. Every state requires a court process. Locking a tenant out, shutting off utilities or removing belongings without a court order is illegal self-help and exposes you to damages that often exceed the rent you were owed.
How long does an eviction take?
It depends on your state, your court's calendar and whether the tenant contests. Some stages are fixed by statute and some are logistics you control. Anyone giving you a guaranteed number of days without knowing your county is guessing.
Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant?
Not always. Uncontested non-payment cases are routine. If the case is contested, involves a counterclaim, or raises habitability or discrimination issues, get a licensed attorney in your state.
What's the difference between a judgment and a writ?
A judgment says you won. A writ of possession is the separate court order that lets law enforcement actually put you back in the property. You have to apply for it — it isn't automatic.
Does this site give legal advice?
No. GoEviction is published by EvictIQ, which is not a law firm. These guides are general information. Eviction law is state law and your state's rules control.
Do you handle evictions outside Georgia?
We handle cases directly in Georgia. Elsewhere, use these guides and find a licensed local attorney or a reputable service in your state.
Landlord eviction checklist
The pre-filing checks that prevent most rejections. One page, one email, no course.
Working a real case?
Georgia we handle end to end. Anywhere else, we'll tell you what to look for in a local provider.