Evicting a Tenant or Ending a Lease

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To terminate a tenancy, you have to follow your state's rules. Return security deposits according to your state's rules to avoid problems with ex-tenants. And remember, lock-outs and retaliation are off-limits.

Tenant Terminations and Evictions

State laws spell out rules and procedures for how a landlord can terminate a tenancy based on nonpayment of rent and other illegal acts.

When Should a Landlord Hire a Lawyer?
In some situations, property owners can benefit from a lawyer's help. Learn when to consult an attorney.
How Evictions Work: Rules for Landlords and Property Managers
An overview of the eviction process, including the termination notices required for different situations.
Terminating a Rental Agreement or Lease for Cause
Find your state rules for terminating a lease or rental agreement for cause, such as a tenant seriously damaging the rental property.
State-by-State Rules on Tenants Rights to Break a Rental Lease
Learn when and how tenants may legally break a lease in your state and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.
Terminating a Lease or Rental Agreement FAQ
Learn how to give tenants proper notice to end a lease or rental agreement, or evict if necessary.
Q&A: Feuding Married Couple Tenants
What to watch out for when married couples fight in the apartment you are renting to them.
Q&A: My tenant left behind some things, can I sell them?
How to handle a tenant’s abandoned property
State Laws on Handling Abandoned Property
Where to find your state landlord-tenant law on abandoned property

Illegal Evictions

Landlords must follow specific state rules and procedures for ending a tenancy and evicting a tenant.

Don’t Lock out or Freeze Out a Tenant
Landlords are subject to penalties if they change the locks or shut off utilities to get a tenant out of rental property.
Anti-Retaliation Statutes for Tenants, State by State
In most states, landlords cannot retaliate against a tenant for exercising a legal right. Here's a synopsis of those laws.

How Bankruptcy and Foreclosure Affect a Tenancy

Federal (and sometimes, state) law come into play when a landlord wants to evict a bankrupt tenant, or a tenant is facing eviction because of foreclosure of the rental property.

Bankrupt Tenants: How the New Bankruptcy Law Affects Evictions
The new bankruptcy law makes it easier for landlords to evict bankrupt tenants.
Renters in Foreclosure: What Are Their Rights?
Federal legislation signed in May 2009 gives important rights to tenants whose landlords have lost their properties through foreclosure.

Resources from Nolo

Landlords & Rental Property
Legal forms and books for landlords and property managers - deal with tenants, security deposits, leases, evictions, repairs, privacy, and all things rental property management.

Every Landlord's Legal Guide
This all-in-one legal guide includes an overview of terminations and evictions, and includes state-by-state rules on topics such as the amount of time a tenant has to pay rent or move before a landlord can file for eviction.

The California Landlord's Law Book
This go-to guide for California landlords includes rules, procedures and forms for terminating a tenancy in the Golden State for nonpayment of rent and other illegal tenant activities.

The California Landlord's Law Book
All the legal forms and instructions for evicting a tenant in California, including how to prepare a 3-, 30-, 60-, or 90-day notice, file an unlawful detainer in court, respond to a tenant’s defenses and claims, and collect unpaid rent after winning in court.

California Landlord's Tenancy Termination Kit
Terminate month-to-month tenancies in California with this all-in-one kit.