📅 2026 Update: Changes in Eviction Laws and Procedures

Since the original article was published, many laws and regulations related to eviction have changed across several states. These changes impact landlords and tenants, affecting how eviction notices are issued and processed. The earlier article continues further down the page, providing a foundation for understanding these important updates.

🏠 California's New Housing Laws

In 2026, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed 97 housing bills that aim to improve housing security. Most of these laws will take effect on January 1, 2027. These changes may influence eviction processes and tenant protections in the state.

  • 🗓️ Key Focus: These laws include new protections for tenants and may alter how landlords can manage evictions.

📜 Maryland's New Laws

Maryland introduced several important laws that became effective on October 1, 2026. This includes SB 325/HB 548 and SB 691, which focus on tenant rights and eviction procedures.

  • 📌 Impact: These laws strengthen protections for tenants facing eviction and add requirements for landlords when issuing notices.

🔄 Texas Eviction Rule Overhaul

Texas made significant changes with Senate Bill 38, effective on January 1, 2026. This law consolidates eviction procedures into a single rule, simplifying the process for both landlords and tenants.

  • ⚖️ Streamlined Process: The new rule eliminates overlapping requirements, making it easier to understand and follow eviction procedures.

📧 Montgomery County Eviction Notice Update

In Montgomery County, Maryland, effective December 15, 2025, landlords must now give 14 days' advance notice to tenants before an eviction. They are also required to email a copy of the eviction notice to the County Department of Housing and Community Affairs.

  • 📩 New Requirement: This change aims to provide tenants with more time and information regarding their eviction status.

📌 Summary of Key Changes

  • 🏠 California's new housing laws will start on January 1, 2027.
  • 📜 Maryland has introduced new tenant protection laws effective October 1, 2026.
  • 🔄 Texas has streamlined eviction procedures with new legislation.
  • 📧 Montgomery County requires 14 days' notice before eviction and email notification to the county.

💡 Tips for Understanding Eviction Notices

Review all aspects of your situation with your attorney to understand your rights and responsibilities.

🏠 Know Your State's Laws

Each state has its own eviction laws. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the specific laws in your state, especially the new changes that may affect your case.

📅 Keep Track of Deadlines

Be aware of any notice periods required before eviction, such as the 14-day notice in Montgomery County, Maryland. Missing deadlines can result in losing your right to contest an eviction.

⚖️ Understand Your Rights

Many states have recently strengthened tenant protections. Know what rights you have under the new laws, including protections against unjust eviction practices.

📝 Document Everything

Keep records of all communications with your landlord. This can be vital if you need to defend yourself against an eviction.

🔍 Seek Nonprofit Assistance

Look for nonprofit organizations that can provide support regarding tenant rights and eviction prevention. They can often offer free resources to assist tenants.

🏆 Free Options Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

Currently, there are no national paid services that meet the review threshold for eviction assistance. This section focuses on free resources available to help tenants.

🥇 1. National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC)

The NLIHC offers resources about tenant rights and protections. They provide updates on housing instability and eviction prevention strategies.

  • 🏠 Who It Helps: Their resources are particularly useful for low-income households facing eviction or housing challenges.

🥈 2. Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs

This county department assists tenants with eviction notices and housing issues. They require landlords to email eviction notices to them.

  • 📧 Support Provided: They help enforce local housing laws and can offer guidance for tenants facing eviction.

🥉 3. Local Housing Authorities

Many local housing authorities provide information about tenant rights and resources for those facing eviction. They can help tenants understand their options.

  • 🏡 Target Audience: These authorities often serve low-income families and individuals needing assistance with housing stability.

🔎 Important Considerations Before Paying for Help

  • 🧐 Check for free resources before paying anyone for eviction assistance.
  • 🏢 Verify the credentials of any organization offering paid services.
  • 📄 Ensure that you understand what services are being offered.
  • 💬 Read reviews or ask for referrals to gauge the effectiveness of the service.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🤔 What should I do if I receive an eviction notice?

If you receive an eviction notice, read it carefully and check the deadlines. Consider seeking help from local housing authorities or tenant rights organizations.

🚪 How can I contest an eviction?

You can contest an eviction by filing a response with the court. Make sure to follow the procedures outlined in your local laws.

📅 What are the new notice requirements in Maryland?

In Maryland, effective December 15, 2025, landlords must provide 14 days' advance notice to tenants before an eviction.

🏛️ Are there specific protections for tenants in Connecticut?

Yes, Connecticut has extended eviction protections to tenants in buildings with at least five units or mobile home parks with at least five homes as of October 1, 2026.

🏠 How do new laws in California affect eviction processes?

California's new housing laws, effective on January 1, 2027, include provisions that may enhance tenant protections and change eviction processes.

⚖️ What is the Eviction Crisis Act of 2026?

The Eviction Crisis Act of 2026 aims to create a grant program for households experiencing housing instability, particularly for those earning below 50% of Area Median Income.

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to Eviction Notices

Recent court rulings have shaped the landscape of eviction laws, impacting how notices are processed and what protections are available to tenants.

To learn more about recent rulings, check out more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





An eviction occurs when a landlord legally and lawfully has a tenant removed from a rental unit.  The rules for eviction often favor keeping a tenant in for as long as possible, so it can be an uphill battle for landlords to get problems tenants out of a rental unit.  When seeking an eviction, you must follow these basic guidelines for seeking an eviction.  However, be aware that the laws of eviction can vary greatly by state, so make sure to follow your state's specific rules. 

1. First, a landlord must give notice of the end of tenancy.  This can be accomplished in a few ways, depending on the reason why the landlord is seeking the eviction.

- If the tenant is behind on rent, the landlord must provide a notice of rent deficiency and give the tenant a set time to either pay or move out.  If the tenant pays all overdue rent and associated fees, an eviction cannot take place.

Eviction Notice

- If the tenant is in violation of the rental agreement, the landlord must notify the tenant of the violation and give a reasonable amount of time to cure the violation.  If the tenant corrects the problem within the set time, an eviction cannot take place.

- Very few states allow an unconditional notice, which can be given when a tenant is in very serious violation of the rental agreement.  While this does not give the tenant any remedy for avoiding eviction, the tenant can challenge the notice, which can lead to months of court battles over whether the tenant can stay. 

- Eviction without cause is allowed by some states.  In this case, a landlord can require a tenant to move out for any reason, however the time required to move can range from 30 to 90 days.  While this is not a form of true eviction, it can be a method for getting tenants out of a rental property without court action.  

2. After notice has been given and the tenant does not comply with the request of the landlord, the landlord must file a notice of eviction with the local court.  The eviction filing must be made to the proper court with a copy provided to the tenant under the laws of service of process. 

3. Once filed in court, many states require an appearance before a judge and either mediation or arbitration to try to work out the eviction case.  If the tenant and landlord cannot come to an agreement, a judge will look at the file and make a determination whether to grant the eviction or deny it. 

4. Once an eviction has been granted by a court, the landlord cannot physically remove a tenant from the rental property.  Instead, the sheriff or local constable must be contacted to remove the tenant.