To evict a tenant for rent arrears, one must go through the court system. Failing to go through the courts can cost the landlord enormously in a civil suit. Typically, a tenant must be at least 30 days in arrears in order for a landlord to begin eviction proceedings. Provided that the proceedings are ruled in the landlord's favor, it can take another 30 days to schedule an eviction. An
. eviction must be overseen by local law enforcement (typically, a sheriff's deputy). All tenant property must be neatly piled near the curb. Under no circumstances may a landlord retain or maliciously destroy a tenant's property. A landlord may not take or sell a tenant's property to make up for any back rent owed to the landlord.
