Evictions are stressful, expensive, and slow. The only way to keep your head is to understand the usual sequence and where delays happen. This is a general outline, not a legal guide.

Typical steps in plain English

1. Notice to pay or quit. You give the tenant the notice your local law requires.
2. Filing the case. If the issue is not resolved, you file in court.
3. Service. The tenant must be properly served with the lawsuit.
4. Hearing or default. Either the tenant responds and you go to court, or they do not and you request a default judgment.
5. Judgment and possession. The court decides who gets possession.
6. Writ and lockout. A sheriff or constable handles the final lockout if needed.
7. Turnover and repairs. You secure the unit and address damages.

Checklist before you file

• Confirm the lease terms and any addenda.
• Document the issue with dates, photos, and notices.
• Check local notice requirements and waiting periods.
• Review any local rules on fees or late charges.
• Make a clean paper trail before you file.

Where delays happen

Service can take longer than expected. Court calendars can push dates out. If the tenant files an answer, you may get a hearing weeks later. Each jurisdiction is different, which is why deadlines are not portable from one city to another.

What actually helps

Clear documentation and calm communication. Judges often want to see that you gave the tenant a chance to fix the issue. Keep records. Keep copies. Do not skip steps.

The part no one mentions

Even when you win, you still have a unit to turn. Budget time and money for cleanup, repairs, and vacancy. That is the real end of the process.

Helpful resources

• Landlord Legal Forms (No-Nonsense Legal Forms) - a reference for notice templates and timelines
• Security Deposit Log Book - keep deposits and deductions organized

This is not legal or financial advice. Laws vary by location.