Idaho Eviction Notice Overview
Idaho does not use a 7-day eviction notice. Under Idaho Code Section 6-303, landlords must give only a 3-day noticeto pay rent or vacate. Idaho has one of the shortest notice periods in the country for non-payment evictions. The process is called an 'unlawful detainer' action and is filed in the Magistrate Division of the District Court for the county where the rental property is located.
Idaho's landlord-tenant law is relatively straightforward compared to many states. The state has not adopted a comprehensive residential landlord-tenant act like the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA). Instead, eviction procedures are governed by Idaho Code Title 6, Chapter 3 (Forcible Entry and Detainer). Idaho has 44 counties, and eviction cases are filed in the magistrate division of the district court. Ada County (Boise) and Canyon County (Nampa) handle the most eviction filings statewide.
3 Days
Notice period
$166
Filing fee
ID Code
Governing law
Magistrate
Court level
Why Idaho Uses 3 Days, Not 7
Important: Idaho Uses a 3-Day Notice, Not 7
Idaho Code 6-303 requires only a 3-day notice for non-payment of rent. This is one of the shortest pre-filing notice periods in the country. Using a 7-day notice would give more time than required but is not the standard Idaho form. For lease violations, Idaho also uses a 3-day notice to comply or vacate.
Idaho Notice Periods at a Glance
- 3-Day Notice — Non-Payment (Idaho Code 6-303): Tenant has 3 days to pay all rent owed or vacate the premises
- 3-Day Notice — Lease Violations (Idaho Code 6-303): Tenant has 3 days to cure the violation or vacate the premises
- 3-Day Unconditional Quit: For nuisance, waste, or illegal activity on the premises — no opportunity to cure
- 30-Day Notice — Month-to-Month (Idaho Code 55-208): Either party may terminate a month-to-month tenancy with at least 30 days notice
Idaho Notice Requirements
Idaho courts require that eviction notices meet specific content and format standards. An incomplete or incorrectly timed notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case.
Required Notice Content
- Property Address: Full address including unit number, city, and zip code
- Tenant Names: All tenants named on the lease or rental agreement
- Amount Owed or Violation: Exact dollar amount of rent due, or specific description of the lease violation
- Correct Notice Period: 3 days for non-payment as required by Idaho law
- Consequence Statement: That eviction proceedings will be filed if the tenant does not cure or vacate
- Landlord Information: Name and contact information of the landlord or property manager
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Idaho
Idaho law provides specific methods for serving eviction notices. Proper service and documentation are essential for the court filing.
Personal Delivery
Hand-deliver the notice directly to the tenant in person. This is the most reliable method and starts the 3-day period immediately. Bring a witness for documentation purposes.
Posting on Premises
Post the notice conspicuously on the property (typically the front door) if the tenant cannot be found for personal delivery. Idaho courts accept this as valid service.
Certified or Registered Mail
Send via certified mail with return receipt requested. Idaho courts accept this as valid service, though it may add time for delivery. The return receipt serves as proof of service.
Document Service
Prepare an affidavit of service documenting the date, time, and method of delivery. Idaho Magistrate Courts require this documentation when filing the unlawful detainer complaint.
Idaho Eviction Timeline
The Idaho eviction process follows a specific timeline from notice through court proceedings to enforcement.
Serve 3-day notice for non-payment of rent per Idaho Code 6-303
If tenant has not paid or vacated, file unlawful detainer complaint in Magistrate Court
Court serves the tenant with summons; hearing is typically scheduled within 12 days of filing
Trial held before the magistrate judge; if landlord prevails, judgment of possession entered
Writ of restitution issued; sheriff enforces physical removal within 3 days of the writ
Idaho evictions are among the fastest in the country. Uncontested cases can be resolved in just 2-4 weeks from notice to removal. Contested cases typically take 4-8 weeks. Ada County (Boise) and Canyon County (Nampa) handle the highest volumes. Idaho does not require tenants to pay rent into court during the litigation period.
Idaho Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs for an eviction proceeding in Idaho Magistrate Court. Actual fees may vary by county.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Magistrate Court Filing Fee | $166 |
| Sheriff Service of Process | $25 - $60 |
| Writ of Restitution | $25 - $50 |
| Attorney Fees (optional) | $500 - $2,000 |
| Appeal Filing Fee | $150 - $250 |
Sample Idaho Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Idaho-compliant eviction notice that meets the requirements of Idaho Code 6-303.
3-DAY NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR VACATE
STATE OF IDAHO
Pursuant to Idaho Code 6-303
LANDLORD:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Idaho Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE:
You are hereby notified that rent in the amount of $[Amount] for the rental period of [Dates] is past due. You have THREE (3) DAYS from the date of service of this notice to pay the above amount in full or vacate the premises and deliver possession to the landlord.
IDAHO COMPLIANCE NOTE
Idaho requires a 3-day notice for non-payment of rent (Idaho Code 6-303), not 7 days. Idaho has one of the shortest pre-filing notice periods in the United States. The notice must clearly state the amount owed and the deadline for payment or vacating.