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How to evict: file a case; do not change the locks

The short query is how-to-evict. The long guide is /how-to-evict-a-tenant. Both start with court process, not a screwdriver.

Courthouse exterior — how to evict starts with a filing, not a lock change
Courthouse exterior — how to evict starts with a filing, not a lock change
How to evict a residential tenant: use the notice your state requires, file the possession case in the court that covers the property, get lawful service, follow the response and hearing rules, then apply for a writ and schedule a lawful setout. Do not lock anyone out yourself. EvictIQ is not a law firm. Not legal advice.

Key facts

  • Not a law firm. Not legal advice. Eviction law is state law.
  • We provide eviction services and coordinate with licensed attorneys in our attorney network when representation is required.
  • EvictIQ field operations: Georgia (metro Atlanta). We do not operate field crews in every state.
  • No invented prices, named counsel, bar numbers, or win rates.

The short version of how to evict

Confirm grounds. Deliver a provable notice if required. File. Serve. Wait. Judgment. Writ. Setout. The expanded article is /how-to-evict-a-tenant.

If the file is contested or your entity cannot appear, you may need licensed attorneys in our attorney network. We are not your lawyers.

What not to do

No lock changes, utility shutoffs, or belongings raids to force a move. See /lockout and /can-a-landlord-change-the-locks.

Georgia hire: local-eviction.com. Other states: educate and route. No nationwide crews.

The short version

  • Court first, locks last — after the writ
  • How-to-evict ≠ how-to-lockout
  • Not a law firm. Not legal advice
  • Long guide: /how-to-evict-a-tenant
State law controls. Eviction law is state law, and notice periods, forms, courts and timelines differ in every state — sometimes county to county within a state. This page explains how the process generally works. It is not legal advice and it is not a substitute for your state's actual rules.
Not a law firm. EvictIQ is not a law firm and this page is not legal advice. Where representation is required, we coordinate counsel through our attorney network. Licensed attorneys in our network are engaged as required for the matter and jurisdiction.
Working a real case right now?

Georgia we can handle. Elsewhere we route.

Tell us where the property is. Georgia hire is on local-eviction.com. Other states get a straight answer about local counsel or a local service.

Related services

Eviction Notice Preparation

The required written demand before a case can be filed — and proof it was delivered.

Read →

Eviction Filing Assistance

Preparing and filing the possession case in the court that covers the property.

Read →

Eviction Setout Services

The day the officer attends, the unit is cleared, and the locks are changed.

Read →

Common questions

How do I evict a tenant this week without court?

You do not. Every state requires a court process. We decline self-help.

Is this the same as /how-to-evict-a-tenant?

Same process, shorter URL. That page is the full landlord walkthrough. This page is the root search.

Will you evict for me outside Georgia?

We handle cases directly in Georgia. Elsewhere we explain the steps and route you to local counsel or a local service.

Need help with a real case?

Name, phone, and location are enough to start. Georgia we handle; elsewhere we route.

Working a real case?

Georgia we handle end to end. Anywhere else, we'll tell you what to look for in a local provider.