Free Educational Materials for Homelessness Survival & Outreach

ARE YOU BEING EVICTED FROM A TENT?

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Rumors are often the only notice of eviction
Start packing as soon as possible
Prioritize ID, medications, and important documents
Stay connected to someone you trust

YOUR CAMP IS TEMPORARY

ALWAYS have your next location in mind!

PROPERTY TYPES

Land ownership informs how different systems respond to tent dwelling.

CITY-OWNED

(Medium Risk) City-owned land belongs to the city government. It does not belong to one person. If the city takes care of it, fixes it, or makes rules about it, the city probably owns it. City land can feel stable temporarily, but evictions often escalate due to public pressure, media attention, or redevelopment timelines.

WHAT IT IS: Parks, Empty lots, Land near public buildings, Sidewalks

EXPECT: The city's governing board makes decisions about the properties. Different city departments may have to agree before anything happens. Police may be asked to give notice or clear the area. The timing can change depending on complaints or political pressure

NOTE: City-owned land is often situated next to State or privately owned property, which can mean different risks apply in the same area.

STATE-OWNED

(Medium-High Risk) State-owned land belongs to the state government, not the city. Camps near highways or busy roads are often cleared because the state sees them as safety risks. State land is usually less stable than it looks. Evictions can happen quickly, and aggressive measures to prevent return are likely.

WHAT IT IS: Areas near highways, Under bridges, Department of Transportation (DOT)

EXPECT: Decisions are made by people outside of the city or county where you are camping. Safety and visibility are often the main concerns.

NOTE: State-owned land is often situated next to private property, which can mean different risks apply in the same area.

UTILITY/RAILROAD

(High Risk) Utility land belongs to companies that manage power lines, water systems, gas lines, or railroads. These areas are usually cleared because companies worry about damage, lawsuits, or safety hazards. Utility and railroad land is often one of the least stable places to stay. These areas are often cleared quickly, and efforts are usually made to prevent people from returning.

WHAT IT IS: Land under power lines, Areas around substations, Railroad tracks, Pipeline corridors

EXPECT: The utility company is focused on safety and fire risk. Police or private security will be involved. Railroad police are NOT city police. They work for private railroad companies and focus on protecting tracks, trains, and company property, often enforcing laws specifically related to rail safety and trespassing.

NOTE: Railroad companies generally control land 50 to 100 feet out from the tracks on both sides, but this varies. Beyond that distance, the land may belong to someone else, which can mean different risks apply in the same area.

PRIVATE

(Medium-High Risk) Private property belongs to a person or a company. Stability depends entirely on whether the owner knows and how they respond.

WHAT IT IS: Vacant commercial lots, Abandoned buildings, Undeveloped land

EXPECT: The owner decides what happens. If the owner does not know you are there, the camp may stay longer. Once the owner becomes aware, eviction can happen quickly.

EVICTION NOTICE TEMPLATE

Revised: 8/21/2026

Who owns the property? The notice must clearly state who owns the property by specifying whether the land is city-owned, state-owned, privately owned, or controlled by entities such as railroads or utility companies. Naming the landowner confirms the authority behind the request to vacate.

When do I have to leave? Residents need time to make informed decisions. 72 hours' written notice is the bare minimum reasonable consideration. The notice must include the exact date and time of clearance, as well as the total number of days provided to relocate. Without this clarity, residents may not prepare to leave at all, or may leave temporarily for daily needs and return to find their belongings removed.

What if I leave something behind? Residents should be informed of potential dangers and instructed to remove themselves and their belongings or risk loss. If compensation or relocation assistance is available, it should be clearly stated here.

Who delivered this notice? A signed notice increases accountability. It should be signed by the landowner or the officially appointed authority responsible for enforcement.

Who is enforcing the eviction? The notice should clearly identify the agency or organization responsible for enforcing the eviction. In many cases, this is law enforcement acting on behalf of the landowner. If another organization, such as a nonprofit, is communicating the notice, that relationship must be explicitly stated. Clear designation of authority reduces confusion, limits the escalation of rumors, and prevents misinterpretation of informal warnings.

Is this eviction lawful? Loading...

Who is available to answer questions? Providing a specific point of contact reduces anxiety and supports informed planning. The notice should include a name, phone number, and, if possible, an email address. This contact should be prepared to answer questions about timelines, property retrieval, available services, and storage options. The appointed contact should also be available for assistance with literacy, as this often prevents access to support.

WHO ISSUES EVICTIONS?

The landowner is responsible for tent evictions.
The landowner contacts the police to request support with clearance.
When complaints are from the community, the police contact the landowner.
Depending on the property type, additional approval steps may be required.
People living in the camp are rarely included in this decision.

CLEARANCE

The landowner contracts a third-party cleanup crew.
The camp is removed quickly, and important items are lost unless prepared in advance.
Belongings that are not removed will be discarded at the time of eviction.
Police are usually present.
Clearance crews are not allowed to assist with moving belongings.

HOUSING OFFERS

The landowner alerts outreach orgs to provide resources at the time of eviction.
Housing vouchers may be presented at the time of eviction.
You DO NOT have to disclose personal identifying information, financial information, or accept a placement that feels unsafe.
Be mindful that the organization offering you housing could be the same people organizing evictions.