text: how do eviction notices work?  what's your time limit? what if it's from a slumlord? help? generally it's only 30 days, but your lease may reflect something else.  i would suggest starting there.  if he is a slum lord and you have withheld rent, pending repairs that are impairing you having a decent apartment (i'm talking about repairs that involve not being able to shower or flush the toilet, or windows that don't close or a furnace that doesn't work...etc.)   if you are withholding rent because you lost your job and don't have money, or want new carpeting and he says no...then don't bother suing him.  you will lose.  some states have laws that don't permit evictions during the school year, if the tenant has school age children...if you have children...look into that.     as far as how they work.....you landlord must notify you in writing.  some get all dramatic about it and post the big "eviction" notice on your door.   some prefer to send you a registered letter.   if he tells you verbally....it won't hold up.  now, once he's notified you in writing and given you a date to get out....you need to get out or have a judge alter his eviction date.    on that day, he has the right to have either a constable or sheriff deputy open the door and remove you from the premisis.   if you are not home, he is able to remove all of your belongings and put them in a storage unit (of which you will pay for).   some will wait and just charge you for storing it in the apartment.   once your belongings are removed...he may clean and rerent the apartment.  if you owe back rent, that is sufficiently more than your deposit, he may petition the court for permission to sell your belongings to recover his losses.