Eviction & moving out
Can my landlord evict me for paying rent late?
Late rent can lead to eviction, but not instantly. The landlord must give the written notice your state requires and then win a court case before anyone can remove you.
Nonpayment is the most common eviction ground. The usual first step is a written pay-or-quit notice that gives you a short window - often a few days to a few weeks depending on the state - to pay what is owed or leave.
If you pay the full amount inside that window, the notice generally ends there. If you don't, the landlord still has to file in court, serve you, and get a judgment. Many states also add grace periods, and some limit evictions over small balances or fees.
If you get a notice, read the deadline and the amount carefully, since landlords sometimes include late fees or charges that aren't actually rent.
Do something about it
The Tenant rights by state turns this answer into action.
General educational information, not legal advice. Laws vary by state and city and change over time - for a specific situation, contact a local tenant-rights organization.