Landlords cannot simply change the locks on a whim in most places. Eviction is the legal process by which a landlord recovers possession of rented property from a tenant, usually after default or expiration of the right to occupy.

Statutes prescribe notice requirements, filing procedures, and court hearings before a tenant can be removed. Common grounds include nonpayment of rent, lease violations, and holding over after the term ends. Self-help eviction without court process is widely restricted or forbidden.

Tenants may raise defenses such as improper notice, habitability failures, or retaliation. If the landlord prevails, the court issues a writ authorizing law enforcement to restore possession. Understanding local eviction procedure is essential for both property owners and renters.

• Court process to remove a tenant from rental property
• Requires statutory notice and judicial involvement
• Commonly based on nonpayment or lease breach
• Self-help remedies often prohibited