When can a tenant be physically evicted from their residence?

A tenant can be physically evicted from their residence when there is a legally signed writ of possession. This document is a court order that authorizes law enforcement to remove a tenant from a property. The eviction process is legally defined and typically involves several steps, including the filing of an eviction lawsuit, allowing the tenant an opportunity to respond, and obtaining a judgment from the court. Once a judgment is made in favor of the landlord, the court issues the writ of possession, which is necessary for formal enforcement of the eviction.

This process ensures that the eviction is conducted lawfully, protecting the rights of both the tenant and the landlord. Without this official legal order, any attempt by a landlord to remove a tenant physically could be considered illegal and could expose the landlord to potential legal action. Thus, a writ of possession is essential for the legitimacy of the eviction process.