Your landlord can't evict you unless he has has gone to court and proved that you did something wrong that justifies ending the tenancy.
And your landlord can't proceed with an eviction lawsuit without terminating the tenancy first. This usually means giving you adequate written notice, in a specified way and form. If you don't move after proper notice (or reform your ways -- for example, by paying the rent or finding a new home for the dog), the landlord can file a lawsuit to evict you. (This is sometimes called an unlawful detainer, or UD lawsuit.)
State laws set out very detailed requirements for landlords who want to end a tenancy. Each state has its own procedures as to how termination notices and eviction papers must be written and delivered ("served"). Landlords must follow state rules and procedures exactly.
If you do get hauled into court, and you can point to shoddy paperwork or the landlord's behavior, such as not maintaining the rental property in habitable condition, or retaliation for insisting on repairs, you can diminish the landlord's chances of victory.
Finally, even if the landlord wins the eviction lawsuit, she can't just move you and your things out onto the sidewalk. Typically, she must give the court judgment to a local law enforcement officer, along with a fee. The sheriff or marshal gives you a notice that the officer will be back within a few days to escort you off the property.
More friendly advice from
Moving Your Pet
Getting through the emotional stress of moving is difficult enough for adults and children. But what about pets, a species with whom we can't even level? Pet owners are often baffled by their pets' behavior during and after a move. Sometimes it's a personality change, a regression in housebreaking habits or a sudden unexplained illness. Even if you don't notice something that dramatic, there's no question that your faithful companion is feeling stress. How do you move your pet and keep the strain to an absolute minimum -- both to yourself and your beloved pet?
Is That Apartment Hazardous to Your Health?
When you sign a lease committing yourself to a unit in an apartment complex or building, you're agreeing to live in close quarters with strangers. You're also making the assumption that your building will be properly managed and maintained. That includes such factors as air quality and adequate pest control. As a tenant, you have rights, of course, but some of the most serious threats to your health -- such as carbon monoxide -- are ones you can't even see or smell.
Does The Landlord Have To Clean The Apartment Before I Move In?
QUESTION:What can I do about a landlord who promised a clean and newly painted apartment before we moved in, but didn't deliver? We have moved in because we had nowhere else to go, but I am concerned about our children's health and the total well-being of our family. Can I report the unhealthy living conditions to the health department? Please let me know of my legal rights or how to go about this problem in a dignified manner.
