The number of days a tenant can be late on rent before eviction varies by jurisdiction, but generally:
- Many landlords start the eviction process with a "pay or quit" notice once rent is around 3 to 10 days late. For example, a common timeline is a 3-day or 5-day notice to pay rent or quit, depending on state law.
- In New York, landlords send a 5-day late rent notice followed by a 14-day rent demand before starting eviction court proceedings.
- In California, landlords typically give a 3-day notice to pay rent or quit before filing for eviction.
- In Maine, tenants are usually given a 7-day notice to pay rent or face eviction.
- The eviction process can be triggered as soon as rent is a few days late, but exact timelines depend on state and lease agreement specifics.
Generally, eviction actions start between 3 and 14 days of unpaid rent, depending on local laws and landlord policies. Paying rent in full before the deadline in the notice can halt the eviction process.
