# Eviction Timeline by State

> Interactive eviction timeline: pick your state for the notice period and walk through each step of the eviction process for tenants and landlords.

*Interactive tool: enter your values at https://toollantern.win/eviction-timeline/ and results update instantly in your browser.*

## Frequently asked questions
### How many days notice before eviction for nonpayment?

It depends on the state: 3 days in California, Florida, Texas, and Ohio; 5 days in Arizona, Illinois, and Virginia; 10 days in North Carolina and Pennsylvania; 14 days in New York, Massachusetts, and Washington.

### Can my landlord change the locks for unpaid rent?

No. Self-help eviction, including changing locks, shutting off utilities, or removing belongings, is illegal in every state. Only a court order enforced by a sheriff or marshal can remove a tenant.

### Can I stop an eviction by paying?

In most states, paying everything owed within the notice period voids the notice and stops the process. Keep proof of payment.

### What happens at an eviction hearing?

You can present defenses such as improper notice, uninhabitable conditions, retaliation, or discrimination. Bring documentation. If you do not appear, the landlord typically wins by default.

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Interactive version: https://toollantern.win/eviction-timeline/