Most jurisdictions do not permit the landlord to evict a tenant without first taking legal action to do so commonly referred to as a "self-help" eviction; such actions include changing locks, removing items from the premises, or terminating utility services. Such evictions are generally illegal at any time during the process (including after a landlord wins an eviction suit); a tenant facing such measures may sue the landlord. However, self-help evictions may be permitted in some jurisdictions when commercial tenants are involved, as opposed to residential tenants.

Some areas have "just cause eviction" laws, which prevents evictions for reasons other than an approved list. For example, the law in Seattle, Washington, requires a court order (and in some cases relocation assistance) and allows evictions for:

Failure to pay rent or late payments after written warning more than four times per year.

The tenant has failed to correct a violation of the lease or laws concerning public nuisance, sanitation, unlawful business, or habitually causes warnings to be issued with corrections made.

The owner's family is moving into the unit, and no adequate other units are available.

The sale of a single-family home.

Tenant-employees who are no longer employees.

Renovation, demolition, or conversion to non-residential use.

Violation of a legal requirement, such as building suitability or number of occupants.

Tenants who live with the owner.

If drug or health and safety-related crimes are committed (by the tenant or with the tenant's consent) on the property, street, or neighboring properties.

No-Fault Evictions

A no-fault eviction occurs when a landlord seeks to regain possession of a rented property under laws that do not require him to allege any fault on the part of the tenant such as failure to pay rent, disturbance to neighbors or other tenants in the building, or violation of lease terms.[citation needed] In many jurisdictions, a tenancy at will, as opposed to a term lease tenancy, may be ended at any time with a minimum of thirty days' notice to tenant, although some jurisdictions require longer notice periods.