You’ve probably been on calls where a tenant starts telling you about their situation — and before you know it, you’re trying to explain what might happen next.
Pressure rises. The tenant gets overwhelmed. And now your team is stuck navigating scenarios that weren’t even part of the original conversation.
Here’s the hard truth:
The real problem isn’t that eviction is complicated — it’s that teams are identifying eviction stages like they’re solving a puzzle, instead of asking clear, precise questions.
Today, we’re fixing that.
By the end of this blog, you’ll confidently identify every eviction stage without giving any advice, options, or solutions — and your TikTok content will be more reliable and trustworthy because of it.
Let’s get into it.
Why Stage Identification Feels Hard in Eviction Conversations
Most teams approach eviction like it’s a mystery:
“Did they file?”
“Does the tenant need advice?”
“Is this pre-eviction or something else?”
When you start offering possibilities, the conversation slips from clarification into interpretation — and that’s when confusion starts. It also opens the door to unintentional advice.
That’s not our role.
Our role is accurate stage identification, every time.
And the reason this is so powerful is simple:
💡 When you know exactly what stage someone is in, the rest of the process becomes logical — not emotional.
The Eviction Process — Explained in Clear, Practical Stages
There are three eviction stages you need to master. Not options. Not hypotheticals. Just clearly defined stages your team can identify on the first conversation.
**Stage 1 — Pre-Eviction
(Notice Issued, No Court Filed)**
This is the stage before anything hits the courthouse.
How it usually presents:
- The tenant received a written notice from the landlord or property
- The notice may say:
- Notice to vacate
- Pay or quit
- Cure or quit
- Lease violation reminder
- There is no court case number
- There is no court date
- There is no legal service by a constable or sheriff
How tenants describe it:
- “I got something taped to my door.”
- “They gave me a notice with a deadline.”
- “It’s a letter from the property manager.”
What you say to identify it:
“Thank you — what you described is the pre-eviction stage, where a notice has been issued but no court case has been filed. I’m going to document that so everything is accurate.”
This is identification only — no next steps, no suggestions, no solution talk.
**Stage 2 — Eviction Filed
(Court Case Exists, But No Final Judgment)**
This stage exists only when a court has been involved.
How it usually presents:
- Tenant has paperwork from the court
- There is:
- A case number
- A court date
- Service by a constable or sheriff
- A petition or summons may have been delivered
How tenants describe it:
- “I have a court date.”
- “Something was served.”
- “It says to appear in court on a certain day.”
What you say to identify it:
“Thank you — based on what you shared, this is the eviction filed stage, meaning a court case has been initiated and you likely have a hearing scheduled.”
There is still no advice, no solutions, no legal direction. Only identification.
**Stage 3 — Post-Judgment
(The Court Has Issued a Decision)**
This is the final and most advanced stage.
How it usually presents:
- Court has already issued a ruling
- Tenant may reference:
- Judgment against them
- A missed court date outcome
- Writ of possession timelines
How tenants describe it:
- “I already went to court and lost.”
- “The court has made a decision.”
- “There’s a judgment and now something else is coming.”
What you say to identify it:
“Thank you — based on what you shared, you’re in the post-judgment stage, which means a court decision has already been issued.”
Again — identification only.
Why This Matters for Your TikTok Content
You’re creating a Pre-Eviction Series — which is great.
But if you don’t clearly define each stage, your content risks:
- confusing your audience
- giving unintentional advice
- blending stages in a way that makes your process less authoritative
Your TikTok videos should help people recognize their stage, not solve their entire situation.
That means:
- Focus on what each stage looks like
- Use real language tenants use
- Reinforce the definition of each stage
- Mention that you identify, not advise
The Mindset Shift That Changes Conversations
❌
Most teams start with “What can you do next?”
🔁 Instead, start with:
“Let’s understand exactly where you are right now.”
This shift moves eviction conversations from confusion to clarity.
Your Daily Action Step
Today’s task is simple, clear, and focused — because consistency builds clarity.
✨ Today’s Action: Post Your Pre-Eviction Canva Template
Use the Canva template provided in our team resources and post one graphic to TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook Stories that helps people recognize what Pre-Eviction looks like.
Your Canva post should:
- define Pre-Eviction in one simple sentence
- list 2–3 signs someone is in Pre-Eviction
- use calm, confident language
- avoid giving any options
- include a soft CTA:
“Comment ‘PRE’ and I’ll help you identify your stage.”
Reminder:
You are not explaining solutions.
You are not suggesting next steps.
You are teaching people to recognize their stage.
Today is about visibility + consistency, not complexity.
Go post your Canva Pre-Eviction graphic —
