How long does an eviction take?

Eviction timing by state

Ohio is the only state here with a general total estimate from a legal help source. Ohio Legal Help says eviction can take 4 to 6 weeks. For the other states, use the state steps below instead of assuming the same total.

Notice comes before the court case

A notice is not the same as physical removal. It is the step that tells the tenant what must happen before the landlord can ask the court for possession.

For nonpayment, Ohio and Georgia have short notice periods. Ohio Revised Code 1923.04 says the landlord must tell the tenant to leave three or more days before beginning the case. Georgia's landlord tenant statute requires a notice to vacate or pay within 3 business days before the owner files.

Indiana nonpayment usually starts with a 10 day notice.

Filing, service, and the first court date

After the notice expires or the demand period passes, filing starts the court part. The tenant still must receive court papers before the judge decides possession.

Indiana Legal Help describes two parts to eviction: a possession hearing and a damages hearing. The possession hearing is first and is when the court decides if the tenant has to move out.

Ohio requires summons service at least seven days before trial. Georgia lets the tenant answer orally or in writing within 7 days from actual service.

Judgment, writ, and physical removal

Winning possession is not the same as personally removing the tenant. The last step is handled through a court order, writ, sheriff, marshal, constable, bailiff, or other authorized officer, depending on the state.

In Indiana, if the landlord wins possession for nonpayment, the court sets the date when the tenant must return possession. Indiana Legal Help says that date is typically two to three weeks away, but local courts vary. The Indiana small claims manual says actual eviction with sheriff participation requires a prior court order.

In Ohio, Chapter 1923 includes a writ of execution section. Georgia's statute says the writ of possession is effective 7 days after judgment and can be executed by a sheriff, constable, or marshal.

Why changing locks can slow you down

Self help eviction means trying to force the tenant out without finishing the court process. That can include changing locks, shutting off utilities, or moving belongings yourself.

Ohio Legal Help says a landlord is not allowed to change locks or shut off utilities to force the tenant out, even if rent is behind. Indiana's small claims manual says lockouts are not permitted unless the tenant has abandoned the premises, and illegal lockouts or utility shutoffs could lead to punitive damages.

Georgia's statute identifies the sheriff, constable, or marshal as the officer for executing the writ. The process is court first, officer removal second, and no personal lockout.

What can make an eviction take longer

Even when the notice period is short, the case can slow down after filing. The common slow points are service, court scheduling, contested hearings, continuances, and officer scheduling.

• Service: Ohio requires service at least seven days before trial.
• Continuance: Indiana Legal Help says a continuance is when the court reschedules the hearing.
• Settlement: Indiana's small claims manual says a statewide pre eviction diversion program and a free landlord tenant settlement conference program are available.
• Tenant answer: Georgia lets the tenant answer within 7 days from actual service.
• Landlord no show: Indiana's small claims manual says the court may dismiss the case without prejudice if the plaintiff fails to appear at the notice date or a continued date.

Selling while eviction is pending

A sale usually does not end a lease by itself. Ohio Legal Help gives a clear example: if the landlord sells the property, the original lease would carry over to the new owner unless the written lease says it ends if the property is sold. Do not assume a deed transfer cancels the rental agreement.

If you are comparing the rental sale with other choices, read how long does it take to sell a house and should I sell or rent my house. For tenant occupied sales, see selling a house with tenants and landlord property situations.

Some owners sell with the tenant still in place. Selling to a cash buyer is one option.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Checked against each source on November 3, 2026. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.

1. Eviction Frequently Asked Questions (Indiana Legal Help)
2. Small Claims Manual 2026 (Indiana Judicial Branch)
3. Chapter 1923 (Ohio Laws / Ohio Legislative Service Commission)
4. Ohio landlord tenant law (Ohio Legal Help)
5. Month-to-month leases in Ohio (Ohio Legal Help)
6. Title 44, Chapter 7, Landlord and Tenant (Georgia General Assembly)