Eviction Trials
At an eviction trial, your landlord and you get to talk to a judge and present evidence. After hearing evidence, a judge will decide who wins. The judge’s decision is called the judgment.
When court staff call your case, you and your landlord will have an opportunity to:
- Show evidence (like documents and photos),
- Ask witnesses to testify, and
- Question the other side’s witnesses.
If you are nervous, it’s OK to make notes about what you want to say. When it’s your turn, you can read your notes.
For more information on going to court, visit this page.
Important! If you have witnesses, they must come to court in person. You can’t use letters or other written documents from another person unless that person is there in court.
You aren't guaranteed a free lawyer in an eviction case in Oregon.
But there are many options for getting free or low-cost legal help. You can use our Referral Database to search for free and low-cost legal help in your area.
The judge will decide your case at the end of your trial, after hearing all evidence. The judge’s decision is called the judgment.
The judge will dismiss the eviction case. You will not have to move out based on this case. But you must still follow your rental agreement, including paying rent.
Your landlord can get a legal document from the court, called a "Notice of Restitution," that orders you to move out in four days.
Your landlord can also ask the court to order you to pay their legal fees.
Your move-out deadline will be listed on a legal document called a "Notice of Restitution." You'll get a copy of this notice after your trial from a sheriff or process server.
The notice must give you at least four days after you get the notice to move out.
If you do not move out by the deadline, your landlord can ask the sheriff to remove you from the property and lock you out.
If you return later without your landlord’s permission, you may be arrested for trespassing.
After the sheriff removes you from your rental, your landlord will probably take and store your belongings. Your landlord must give you a chance to get the rest of your belongings. Click here to learn more about getting your property back after an eviction.