Evicting a tenant in Idaho can be a straightforward process or a drawn-out ordeal, depending on the reason for eviction and how carefully each legal step is completed. As a landlord, understanding how long different types of evictions take can help you protect your property, reduce lost rent, and plan your next steps with confidence.
At KB Legal, we focus on helping landlords navigate Idaho’s eviction laws efficiently and effectively. Whether you’re dealing with unpaid rent, lease violations, or unlawful occupants, here’s what you can expect for different types of evictions in Idaho.
Non-Payment of Rent
For unpaid rent, Idaho law allows for an expedited eviction process. The landlord serves a three-day notice to pay or vacate. If the tenant fails to pay, the landlord can file for eviction. Courts usually set a hearing within twelve days of filing, and tenants must be served with the complaint at least five days before the hearing date.
If the landlord wins, the tenant generally has seventy-two hours to vacate. Start to finish, non-payment cases often wrap up in two to three weeks—making them one of the fastest types of eviction.
Non-Renewal of Lease
If you’re ending a tenancy at the close of a lease term, Idaho requires at least thirty days’ written notice. For month-to-month renters, the same rule applies. If the tenant remains after the notice period, the eviction proceeds through the standard court process, and the tenant has twenty-one days to respond.
Because of the thirty day notice period and the non-expedited court process, these evictions typically take two to three months to resolve, depending on court scheduling.
Lease Violations
Common violations include property damage or breaking quiet enjoyment rules. These cases start with a three-day notice to fix the violation or move out. If the tenant doesn’t comply, the landlord can proceed through the same standard process as non-renewal cases.
While the notice period is short, lease violation evictions can be some of the most challenging for landlords. They often require proving specific elements in court and gathering clear, admissible evidence such as photographs, written complaints, or inspection reports in order to demonstrate that a violation occurred and that it breached the lease agreement. If the facts are disputed or the violations are complex, these cases can stretch far beyond the average timeline, sometimes taking six to nine months to resolve.
Because of the time and cost involved, it’s often wise to try talking with tenants first to work out the violation informally before pursuing legal action. Communication and documentation is key when dealing with lease violations.
Manufactured Home Removals
When a manufactured home lot, the Idaho Manufactured Home Residency Act requires a ninety-day notice before you can file in court. After the notice period, the case follows standard eviction procedures. This means you’re looking at three months or more before resolution can be reached.
This extended timeframe is necessary because the tenant must arrange to remove the home from the lot and secure a new location to place it—something that cannot be done quickly. Coordinating transportation, permits, and a new lease for the home site takes time, and the law ensures tenants have a reasonable window to make those arrangements. It’s best practice for landlords to assist tenants in this process where possible, whether through guidance, referrals, or cooperation, to help ensure the home is successfully removed or sold.
Forcible Detainer (Squatting)
If someone is occupying your property without permission, you can file a forcible detainer complaint right away. Idaho courts move quickly on these, often scheduling hearings within seventy-two hours (excluding weekends and holidays). Many of these cases are resolved in under a week.
After the Court Judgment
Even if the court rules in your favor, you may need law enforcement to enforce the move-out. Idaho landlords can request a writ of restitution three days after judgment. Some sheriff’s offices provide an extra twenty-four hours’ notice or more before removing the tenant, so plan for a few more days beyond the court date.
Why Work with KB Legal?
Eviction timelines can be shortened—or delayed—based on how notices are served, how paperwork is filed, and whether the case qualifies for expedited treatment. KB Legal specializes in landlord representation, ensuring that every step is handled correctly so you can recover possession quickly and legally. More questions? Contact KB Legal today for a free consultation, or simply give us a call at 208-701-2031.
Are You a Tenant Named in a Non-Payment Eviction Case?
Ada County tenants facing financial hardship in non-payment of rent evictions can benefit from contacting Jesse Tree, a Boise-based nonprofit that helps people who are defendants in a non-payment eviction. They offer emergency rental assistance, transitional housing, mediation, and other resources to help you through the process.