Idaho Eviction Notice Overview
Idaho uses a 3-day notice to quit for virtually all eviction scenarios under Idaho Code §6-303, including lease violations, non-payment of rent, and holdover tenancies. There is no 14-day notice period in Idaho law. Idaho’s eviction framework is among the most landlord-friendly in the nation, with one of the shortest notice periods and fastest court processes. Evictions are filed as unlawful detainer actions in the Magistrate Division of the District Court.
Idaho’s 3-day notice applies broadly to every grounds for eviction—including curable lease violations that states like Alabama would give 14 days to remedy. The tenant has just 3 days to cure the violation, pay overdue rent, or vacate. After the 3-day period expires without compliance, the landlord files an unlawful detainer action. Ada County (Boise), Canyon County (Nampa/Caldwell), and Kootenai County (Coeur d’Alene) handle the highest volumes. Idaho’s rapid growth has increased eviction filings significantly in the Boise metro area since 2020.
3 Days
Statutory minimum
$166
Magistrate Court filing
Written
Notice required
2–4 Wks
Total process
Idaho’s 3-Day Notice Applies to All Eviction Grounds
Under Idaho Code §6-303, a landlord must give only 3 days’ written notice before filing an unlawful detainer action. This notice must demand that the tenant either pay rent, cure the violation, or vacate within 3 days. Idaho does not distinguish between different types of violations—the same 3-day period applies to all situations. This stands in stark contrast to states like Alabama (14 days), Connecticut (15 days), or even neighboring Montana (14 days) for lease violations.
Idaho Notice Periods
3-day notice: All eviction grounds including lease violations, non-payment, holdover (I.C. §6-303)
3-day notice to quit: Nuisance, waste, or unlawful activity on the premises (I.C. §6-303(2))
30-day termination: Month-to-month tenancy without cause (I.C. §55-208)
No separate cure notice: Idaho does not have a distinct cure-or-quit notice type
Common Violations Addressed by This Notice in Idaho
- Unauthorized pets or animals on the property
- Unauthorized occupants or subletting without written permission
- Property damage beyond normal wear and tear
- Noise or nuisance complaints documented by neighbors
- Illegal activity on the premises (drug-related offenses are common grounds)
- Failure to maintain the unit or yard per lease terms
Idaho Legal Requirements
Idaho courts require strict compliance with notice requirements. A deficient notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case, wasting time and filing fees. Here are the mandatory elements:
- Written Format: Idaho requires the notice in writing; oral notices are not enforceable in Magistrate Court
- 3-Day Period Stated: Clearly state that the tenant has 3 days to cure the violation, pay the rent, or vacate
- Grounds Specified: Describe the reason for the notice (specific violation, amount of rent owed, or holdover status)
- Property Address: Include the full street address of the rental property including unit number
- Landlord Signature: Sign and date the notice as the landlord or authorized property management agent
Serving the Notice in Idaho
Proper service is critical in Idaho. The method of delivery determines when the notice period starts running and must be documented for court proceedings.
Personal Delivery
Hand the notice directly to the tenant. The 3-day period starts the next calendar day. Bring a witness to verify delivery. This is the strongest method for Idaho Magistrate Court.
Posting on Door
Post the notice conspicuously on the front door if the tenant is not available. Idaho Magistrate Courts routinely accept this method. Take a timestamped photograph as evidence.
Certified Mail
Send via USPS certified mail with return receipt as supplemental documentation. While not required, it provides additional evidence that the tenant received the notice.
Idaho Eviction Timeline
The complete eviction process in Idaho, from notice to physical removal, follows this general timeline for uncontested cases:
Idaho Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs associated with the eviction process in Idaho. Fees may vary by county or court location.
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Magistrate Court Filing Fee | $166 |
| Sheriff Service of Process | $25 – $50 |
| Writ of Restitution | $20 – $40 |
| Sheriff Lockout Execution | $50 – $100 |
| Attorney Fees (if retained) | $400 – $1,200 |
Sample Idaho Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Idaho-compliant eviction notice. The generated document includes all elements required under ID law.
3-DAY NOTICE TO PAY, CURE, OR QUIT
STATE OF IDAHO
Pursuant to Idaho Code §6-303
TO (TENANT):
Name: [Tenant Full Legal Name]
Address: [Idaho Property Address]
VIOLATION / GROUNDS:
[Detailed description of violation with dates]
DEMAND
You have three (3) days from delivery of this notice to cure the above violation, pay any rent owed, or vacate the premises. If you fail to comply within 3 days, an unlawful detainer action will be filed in the Magistrate Division of the District Court seeking possession of the premises and any damages owed.