Idaho Eviction Notice Overview
Idaho's eviction law is governed by Idaho Code Title 6, Chapter 3 (Forcible Entry and Unlawful Detainer). The state uses a uniform 3-day notice period under I.C. §6-303 for all eviction grounds, including non-payment of rent, lease violations, waste, nuisance, and unlawful use. Idaho does not have a statutory 10-day notice period for any eviction scenario.
Idaho's 3-day notice is one of the shortest in the nation, making the state one of the fastest for eviction proceedings. Combined with the expedited trial timeline under I.C. §6-310, an uncontested eviction in Idaho can be completed in as little as 2 to 3 weeks from the initial notice. Ada County (Boise) and Canyon County (Nampa/Caldwell) handle the highest volumes of eviction filings in the state.
3 Days
All eviction grounds
I.C. §6-303
Governing statute
$166
Filing fee
2-3 Wks
Uncontested timeline
Idaho's 3-Day Notice System
Idaho Uses 3-Day Notices, Not 10-Day
Idaho Code §6-303 requires only 3 days notice for all eviction grounds. There is no statutory 10-day notice in Idaho. If you need a 10-day notice for Idaho, it must be because your lease contractually requires one. The 3 days includes weekends and holidays but excludes the day of service.
| Situation | Notice Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Non-payment of rent | 3 days to pay or quit | I.C. §6-303(2) |
| Lease violations | 3 days to cure or quit | I.C. §6-303(3) |
| Waste / nuisance | 3 days unconditional quit | I.C. §6-303(4) |
| Unlawful use of property | 3 days unconditional quit | I.C. §6-303(4) |
| Month-to-month termination | 30 days | I.C. §55-208 |
Idaho Code Title 6 Requirements
Idaho's unlawful detainer statute requires specific elements in the 3-day notice.
- Written Notice: Must be in writing. Idaho courts do not recognize verbal eviction notices
- Specific Ground: Identify the specific reason: non-payment (with amount), lease violation (with description), waste, nuisance, or unlawful use
- 3-Day Demand: Clearly state the tenant has 3 days to pay/cure/quit (or quit unconditionally for non-curable grounds)
- Property Address: Complete physical address of the rental property
- Service: Serve by personal delivery, leaving with someone at the dwelling, or posting plus mailing
- Landlord Info: Name and contact information of the landlord or property manager
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Idaho
Idaho law allows several methods of service for pre-suit notices.
Personal Delivery
Hand-deliver directly to the tenant. Use a witness for documentation. The 3-day period begins the next day
Substitute Service
Leave with a person of suitable age and discretion at the tenant's dwelling if the tenant cannot be found
Post and Mail
Post conspicuously on the property AND mail a copy. Common in rural Idaho counties where personal service is difficult
Wait 3 Days, Then File
After the 3-day period expires without cure, file the unlawful detainer complaint in Magistrate Court ($166 filing fee)
Court Process
The court serves the tenant. Expedited trial under I.C. §6-310 is set within 12-20 days. If landlord wins, writ of restitution issues
Idaho Magistrate Court Process
Idaho's unlawful detainer proceedings in Magistrate Court are designed for speed. Under I.C. §6-310, the trial must be held within 12 days of the complaint being filed if requested by the plaintiff. Ada County Magistrate Court (Boise) processes a high volume and generally adheres to this timeline.
If the landlord prevails, the court enters judgment and issues a Writ of Restitution. The sheriff serves the writ, giving the tenant typically 3 days to vacate. If the tenant does not leave, the sheriff physically removes them. Idaho does not have a statutory redemption period after judgment.
Total uncontested timeline: approximately 2 to 3 weeks from initial notice to enforcement. Contested cases may take 3 to 5 weeks. Appeals go to the District Court and require the tenant to post a bond.
Idaho Filing Fees & Costs
Filing fees for unlawful detainer actions in Idaho Magistrate Courts.
| Fee / Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unlawful Detainer Filing Fee | $166 |
| Service of Process (Sheriff) | $25 - $50 |
| Writ of Restitution | $20 - $40 |
| Sheriff Enforcement | $50 - $150 |
| Attorney Fees (if hired) | $500 - $1,500 |
Sample Idaho Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of an Idaho 3-day notice. If your lease requires 10 days, modify the timeframe accordingly.
THREE-DAY NOTICE TO PAY OR QUIT
STATE OF IDAHO
Pursuant to Idaho Code §6-303
TO TENANT(S):
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Property: [Idaho Property Address]
DEMAND:
You owe $[amount] in rent. You must pay in full or vacate within THREE (3) DAYS of service of this notice. If you fail to pay or vacate, an unlawful detainer action will be filed in the [County] Magistrate Court.
NOTICE
This notice is served pursuant to Idaho Code section 6-303. The 3-day period begins the day after service and includes weekends and holidays.