Fight an Eviction
Know your deadlines, understand your options and prepare your answer.
Eviction Defense Wizard
Tell us what you received and what happened. Get a checklist, evidence list and a draft answer.
Learn more →
Tenant Answer
Generate a print-ready answer to an eviction complaint with your defenses and a certificate of service.
Learn more →
Free legal help
National directories of legal aid, fair-housing and rental-assistance programs.
Learn more →
Tenant FAQs
Do I have to move out by the date on the notice?
In most states, no. A notice is not a court order. Your landlord generally has to file a court case and win before you can be removed — and only law enforcement can carry out an eviction.
What happens if I ignore court papers?
The landlord can win automatically by default, often within days. Always check the deadline on the summons and file an answer or appear at the hearing.
My landlord changed the locks. Is that legal?
Almost never. Lockouts, removing your belongings or shutting off utilities without a court order are illegal in nearly every state. Call the police non-emergency line and legal aid.
Where can I get free legal help?
Legal aid organizations, law-school clinics and court self-help centers help many tenants for free. Start with LawHelp.org or dial 2-1-1 for rental assistance.
Need your court’s address? See court details by county.
Received court papers?
Deadlines can be just a few days. Start the defense wizard now.