Facing eviction
Got eviction papers? Here is what happens next.
A landlord can't put you out without a court order, and only a constable or sheriff can carry it out. You have more time and more rights than the notice makes it sound.
Step by step
How an eviction moves through Justice Court
Timelines vary by county, and hearings can be set within days of the papers being served. Call us the day you get anything in writing.
Step 1 of 4
A written notice
For unpaid rent, the landlord usually has to give you written notice and a few days to pay or leave before filing. Keep the notice, and write down the date and how you got it.
Step 2 of 4
The court papers
If you don't pay or move, the landlord files in Justice or County Court and you're served with a summons that names a hearing date. Do not ignore it. Missing the hearing almost always means losing.
Download the tenant guide
Step 3 of 4
The hearing
The judge hears both sides, often in a few minutes. This is where a lawyer matters: bad notices, unmade repairs and rent you already paid are all defenses.
Step 4 of 4
If the landlord wins
The judge sets a date to move. We can often negotiate more time, a payment plan, or a record that doesn't follow you to the next apartment.
Tenant line
When you can reach a housing lawyer
Call the main number and press 2. If we're closed, leave your name, number and court date, and we call back first thing.
Lines openLines closed
Closes at Opens
todaytomorrowHearing tomorrow and we're closed? Go to court anyway, ask the judge for time to find a lawyer, and call us the minute we open.
| MondayToday | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
|---|---|
| TuesdayToday | 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM1:00 PM – 4:00 PMMornings at Justice Court; walk-ins on Lynch St |
| WednesdayToday | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| ThursdayToday | 9:00 AM – 6:30 PMLate line for working tenants |
| FridayToday | ClosedMessages only, returned Monday |
| SaturdayToday | Closed |
| SundayToday | Closed |
Holiday hours
- Wed, Nov 11Veterans Day Closed. Messages returned Thursday.
- Thu, Nov 26Thanksgiving Closed Thursday and Friday.
Tenant questions
What tenants ask us most
Can my landlord change the locks or shut off my water?
Generally no. Removing you without a court order, taking your things, or cutting utilities to force you out is not allowed. Call intake the same day and keep a record of what happened.
I'm behind on rent. Is there any point in going to court?
Yes. Judges often give time to move, and many landlords will agree to a payment plan in the hallway. If you don't go, the landlord wins automatically.
My landlord won't fix anything. Can I stop paying rent?
Not without following the rules first, or you can be evicted for nonpayment. Send a written repair request (we have a sample letter) and call us before you hold back any rent.
Will an eviction stay on my record?
A judgment can show up on tenant screening reports for years. A dismissal or a settled case usually looks very different, which is one more reason to have a lawyer at the hearing.
I live in public housing or have a voucher.
You have extra protections, including a grievance process. Tell us at intake; these cases go straight to an attorney.
Tenant forms
Print these before your court date
Free to download. If you don't have a printer, we'll print them for you at the Lynch Street front desk.
- 410 KBDownload
Got eviction papers? A two-page guide for Mississippi tenants
What the papers mean, what to bring and what to say to the judge.
GuidesAug 20262 pages
- 38 KBDownload
Sample letter asking your landlord for repairs
Fill in the blanks, keep a copy and send it so you can prove the date.
Letters2026
- 120 KBDownload
Rent and repairs log
One page to track what you paid, when, and what's broken.
Guides20261 page
- 95 KBDownload
Checklist for your hearing day
Documents, photos, witnesses and what time to arrive.
Guides20261 page
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