National Eviction

How long does an eviction take in New York?

For landlords and property managers · Updated September 2026

A typical uncontested eviction for unpaid rent in New York takes about 2 to 3 months.

From our New York guide: “Outside NYC an uncontested nonpayment case commonly takes two to three months from the rent demand to the sheriff's execution.”

If the tenant contests: NYC Housing Court, often contested: four to eight months.

The New York eviction timeline, step by step

Calendar days for a nonpayment case the tenant does not contest. Business and court days are converted to calendar days.

  1. 1Notice for unpaid rent

    21 days

    From serving the notice until you can file.

    5-day late notice, then 14-day rent demand (about 3 weeks)

    From our guide: “Five-day certified late notice, then 14-day rent demand: 3 weeks from the due date” and “A written demand for the specific rent owed, giving at least 14 days to pay or surrender (RPAPL 711(2)).”

  2. 2Court case

    10 to 17 days

    From filing through service and the answer period or first hearing, to a judgment for possession.

    Papers served 10 to 17 days before the return/trial date

    From our guide: “the papers must be served at least ten and not more than seventeen days before the return date (RPAPL 733)” and “Service to return date: 10 to 17 days”

  3. 3Judgment to possession

    21 to 42 days

    Any waiting period before the writ issues, plus the officer's notice before the lockout.

    Warrant issues; marshal's 14-day notice before eviction

    From our guide: “Warrant and marshal's 14-day notice: 3 to 6 weeks” and “serves a 14-day notice of eviction before executing the warrant”

What can slow it down

  • Figures are for an uncontested case outside New York City; NYC Housing Court runs on a different, much slower clock and Good Cause Eviction coverage can add further protections.
  • A defective notice is the most common reason a case is dismissed and has to start over. Check the form and the delivery method in the full guide before you serve it.
  • A tenant who files an answer, raises a defense or appeals adds hearings and waiting periods. Busy urban dockets can add weeks at every stage.
  • Never change the locks or shut off utilities yourself. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and can cost more than the unpaid rent.

Read the full New York eviction guide, with the statute or rule behind each step.

New York scores 5 of 10 on our landlord-friendly states map (balanced).

Compare eviction timelines in every state.

This timeline is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Deadlines change and courts vary by county. Confirm current rules with a licensed New York attorney before acting.