Idaho's unlawful detainer is fast and landlord-friendly. The 3-day notice for non-payment moves cases quickly.
Idaho's eviction process is called Unlawful Detainer and is governed by Idaho Code Title 6, Chapter 3. Cases are filed in magistrate division of the district court at the county level. Idaho is generally landlord-friendly — the process is reasonably fast and tenant defenses are limited compared to many states. Uncontested cases typically conclude within four to six weeks of filing.
Unlawful detainer cases are filed in the magistrate division of the district court for the county where the property is located. Idaho law also provides for an expedited proceeding called a "Three Day Notice" eviction for nonpayment cases, which can move particularly quickly.
For non-payment of rent, Idaho requires a 3-day written notice to pay or vacate (Idaho Code 6-303). The notice must specify the amount owed and inform the tenant that they have three days to pay in full or vacate the premises. The three-day period excludes the day of service but includes weekends.
For material lease violations, Idaho requires a 3-day notice to cure or vacate. For violations involving illegal activity, intentional property damage, or threatening behavior, Idaho allows a 3-day unconditional notice to vacate with no cure opportunity (Idaho Code 6-303(4)).
For month-to-month tenancies without cause, Idaho requires 30 days written notice. Deliver notices by personal service, posting and mailing, or certified mail. Document delivery with photos and receipts.
After the notice period expires, file an unlawful detainer complaint in the magistrate division of the district court covering the property's county. Filing fees in Idaho are typically $77 to $157 depending on the case value. Service is typically performed by the sheriff or a private process server.
The tenant has 5 days from service to file an answer. If the tenant fails to answer, the court enters default judgment. If the tenant answers, the hearing is typically scheduled within 12 to 30 days.
Idaho magistrate court hearings are formal but accessible. Bring your lease, the notice you served, proof of service, your rent ledger, and any documentation supporting the case. The magistrate will hear both sides and typically issue a ruling at the conclusion of the hearing.
If you prevail, the writ of restitution is issued. Idaho law provides limited grounds for tenant appeal of unlawful detainer judgments, and appeals require posting bond.
Ada County, anchored by Boise, is Idaho's most populous county and the state's primary rental market. Ada County eviction filings go to the Ada County Courthouse in Boise. The Boise metro area has seen significant population growth and rental price appreciation in recent years, with corresponding increases in eviction case volumes.
Canyon County, immediately west of Ada County, includes the cities of Nampa, Caldwell, and Meridian (which spans the Ada/Canyon boundary). Canyon County eviction filings go to the Canyon County Courthouse in Caldwell. Both counties follow standard Idaho unlawful detainer procedure but local case scheduling varies. For detailed landlord-tenant law specific to each county — including local court contacts, filing logistics, and procedural variations — see Ada County landlord-tenant law and Canyon County landlord-tenant law.
Idaho's unlawful detainer process is fast but procedural details matter. The 3-day notice calculation, service requirements, and filing-court selection all affect timing. See the full Idaho landlord-tenant law guide for notice templates, security deposit rules, and county-specific information across all 44 Idaho counties.
Once the writ of restitution is issued, the county sheriff executes the writ. Execution typically occurs within 5 to 10 days. Be present with a locksmith and document the unit's condition with photographs.
Idaho law specifies handling of tenant property left behind after eviction. You must provide notice and a reasonable opportunity for retrieval before disposal. Keep records and inventory of property left behind.