How the writ of possession notice period works
Eviction in the United States ends with a court-issued writ of possession. A sheriff, marshal or constable serves or posts the writ, gives the tenant a short window to leave, and only then carries out the lockout. This tool turns the posting date and your state's notice window into the deadline to vacate and the earliest lockout date.
Legal basis: the notice window is state law and it is short. Texas requires a 24-hour written warning posted on the front door before execution (Tex. Prop. Code §24.0061). California gives the tenant five days after the writ is served (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §§715.010, 1174). Other states fall between those points, and some count court days rather than calendar days. Enter the figure your state uses. Reviewed as of September 2026.
A landlord cannot change the locks, remove belongings or cut utilities without the writ - self-help eviction exposes the landlord to damages in nearly every state.
This calculator is for reference only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state about your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends entirely on the state. Some require only 24 hours after the writ is posted, others give five days or more, and a few count court days instead of calendar days. Check the statute or the sheriff's civil division for your county.
No. Execution is carried out by the sheriff, marshal or constable named on the writ. Changing locks, removing property or shutting off utilities without that officer is self-help eviction and is unlawful in nearly every state.