Eviction Procedure

If the tenant refuses to leave after the 3-day or 7-day notice expires, the landlord cannot just change the locks (that is "Self-Help Eviction" and it is illegal). They must go to court.Step 1: The landlord files a complaint for eviction in the county court.Step 2: The tenant is served a summons and has 5 business days to respond.Step 3: If the tenant doesn't respond or loses in court, the judge issues a final judgment for the landlord.Step 4: The clerk issues a Writ of Possession to the Sheriff.Step 5: The Sheriff posts a 24-hour notice on the tenant's door. After 24 hours, if the tenant is still there, the Sheriff physically removes them and the landlord changes the locks.