Outline of the Eviction Process in Idaho

1. Grounds for Eviction

• Legal reasons required:
  • Non-payment of rent.
  • Lease violation (e.g., unauthorized pets, property damage).
  • Illegal activity (e.g., drug-related conduct, violent crime).
  • End of lease term (fixed-term or month-to-month).
  • Holdover tenancy (tenant remains after lease expires).
  • No-fault eviction (e.g., landlord wants to sell or occupy).
• Laws: Idaho Code § 6-301 to § 6-324 (Unlawful Detainer); § 55-201 to § 55-313 (Landlord and Tenant).

2. Notice to Quit

• Written notice served:
  • Non-payment: 3-day notice to pay or vacate.
  • Lease violation: 3-day notice to cure or vacate (if curable); immediate for non-curable.
  • Month-to-month: 30-day notice to terminate.
  • No-fault/end of lease: 30-day notice.
  • Illegal activity or holdover: 3-day notice to vacate (no cure).
• Delivery: Hand-delivered, posted on door, or mailed (certified mail, effective 3 days after mailing).
• Tenant can cure by paying rent or fixing violation (within 3 days).

3. Filing the Eviction Case

• File Complaint for Eviction (Unlawful Detainer) in Magistrate Division of District Court.
• Documents: Complaint, summons, Notice to Quit, lease, proof of service.
• Fee: ~$100–$166 (varies by county).
• Timing: After notice period expires (e.g., 4th day for 3-day notice).

4. Serving the Summons and Complaint

• Sheriff, constable, or process server serves papers 3 days before hearing.
• Methods: Personal delivery, left with resident (age 18+), or posted and mailed.
• Tenant must file answer or appear at hearing; rent deposit required for non-payment cases.

5. Court Hearing

• Held 7–12 days after filing.
• Landlord presents evidence; tenant raises defenses (e.g., improper notice, retaliation).
• Outcomes: Eviction granted, case dismissed, or agreement (e.g., payment plan).

6. Judgment and Execution

• Writ of Restitution if landlord wins.
• Appeal: 5 days to District Court (requires bond).
• Writ issued: ~5–10 days post-judgment; sheriff serves 24-hour notice to vacate.

7. Physical Eviction

• Sheriff removes tenant; no mandatory storage (property may be placed on street or stored at landlord’s discretion).
• Tenant may reclaim stored property by paying costs.
• Law: Idaho Code § 6-316.

8. Tenant Protections

• Rights:
  • Cure violations (3 days), defenses (retaliation, discrimination, limited habitability).
  • No self-help evictions (landlord penalties up to 3 months’ rent).
• Resources:
  • Idaho Legal Aid Services (800-632-5124), idaholegalaid.org, courts.idaho.gov.

Notes

• Disclaimer: General guide; consult a lawyer. County practices may vary.
• Sources: Idaho Code § 6-301 to § 6-324, § 55-201 to § 55-313; courts.idaho.gov; idaholegalaid.org.

Eviction Process by State