Another Tuesday, another legal crash course from your favorite internet lawyer.

Whether it’s a knock on the door or a text that says “you need to leave,” evictions can feel scary, confusing, and very sudden.

Here’s what you need to know: there’s a legal process landlords have to follow, and if they skip steps, you’ve got rights they don’t want you to know about.

What we’re covering today:

• What counts as a legal eviction notice

• When landlords can and can’t kick you out

• What to say (and not say) when it happens

Let’s get into it.

What Counts as a Legal Eviction

A real eviction starts with a formal notice. Not a text, not a Post-it, not your landlord yelling through the window.

For it to be legit, it usually has to:

• Be in writing

• Include a reason (like unpaid rent or lease violations)

• Give you a deadline to fix the issue or move out

If that deadline passes and you’re still in the unit, the landlord can’t just change the locks or toss your stuff. They have to take it to court.

Reasons you can be evicted

Landlords are allowed to evict tenants, but only for valid reasons. These usually include:

• Not paying rent

• Breaking the lease (like having an unauthorized pet or extra roommate)

• Damaging the property

• Illegal activity in the unit

Each state has slightly different rules, but those are the common ones.

What to do (and say) if you’re being evicted

First, don’t panic, and more importantly, don’t leave right away. Start by checking:

• Did the notice follow the legal rules?
  That includes how it was delivered, what it says, and how much time it gives you. If it doesn’t meet your state’s requirements, it may not be enforceable.

• What reason did they give for the eviction?
  If it’s vague, inaccurate, or something that isn’t a valid legal reason (like you asked for repairs), you might have a strong defense.

• Does the notice give you a deadline (and can you fix it?)
  Some notices give you time to pay rent, fix the issue, or respond before anything moves forward. If that option’s on the table, use it.

Then, get everything in writing.

Text or email your landlord to clarify the notice and timeline. Save the messages, take photos, and keep any letters.

When dealing with a shady landlord, there’s a lot to cover: legal notice, illegal pressure tactics, and what to say (and not say) when you’re told to leave.

You have rights. And knowing them puts you in control.

I’m working on legal rights guides that give you all the knowledge you need, to have the power to stand your ground.

👉 Click here to get notified when they drop.

Reasons you can’t be evicted

There are also reasons that aren’t valid, and if your landlord is pushing you out for one of these, that’s retaliation or discrimination.

Here are a few examples:

• Reporting a safety or code issue

• Complaining about repairs or conditions

• Refusing an illegal rent increase

• Calling out harassment or discrimination

• Asking for a disability accommodation

In most states, it’s illegal for a landlord to punish you for exercising your legal rights. That includes evicting you in retaliation.

Your landlord can’t just wake up one day and decide you’re out. If you get a notice, don’t just pack up and leave.

Eviction is a process, and you have rights every step of the way.

If you want to be fully prepared when the stakes are high, my guides cover all this and more. Make sure you’re on the list to get them as soon as they drop.

Until next Tuesday, this case is closed.