Ada County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)
Everything Idaho landlords need to file a Forcible Entry and Detainer in Ada County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.
🏛️ Ada County Courthouse Information
- Courthouse: Ada County Courthouse
- Address: 200 W. Front St., Boise, ID 83702
- Phone: (208) 287-6900
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Case type: Forcible Entry and Detainer
- Online filing: Available
⚠️ Ada County — What Landlords Should Know
Ada County (Boise) uses Magistrate Court for FED actions. Idaho is landlord-friendly.
Need an Eviction Attorney in Ada County?
Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Ada County eviction attorney — free consultation.
Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Ada County
Serve the Required Notice
Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 3-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 3-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per Idaho law.
File Your Forcible Entry and Detainer at Ada County Courthouse
After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Ada County Courthouse (200 W. Front St., Boise, ID 83702). The filing fee is $82. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service. Online filing is also available.
Serve the Summons on the Tenant
After filing, the court issues a summons. In Ada County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $30. You must NOT serve the summons yourself — improper service can get your case dismissed.
Attend the Court Hearing
Hearings in Ada County are typically scheduled 2–3 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.
Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The Idaho Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in Idaho.
Ada County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $82 | Paid to Ada County Clerk of Court |
| Summons Service | $30 | Sheriff or process server fee |
| Writ of Possession | ~$26–$30 | Sheriff enforcement after judgment |
| Attorney (optional) | $400–$1500 | Recommended for contested cases |
Frequently Asked Questions — Ada County Evictions
How long does an eviction take in Ada County?
The typical Ada County eviction takes 3–5 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement — assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Ada County is generally considered a landlord-friendly jurisdiction.
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Ada County?
The court filing fee in Ada County is $82. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($30), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$26–$30), and attorney fees if represented ($400–$1500). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $138–$142.
What court handles evictions in Ada County?
Evictions in Ada County are filed at the Ada County Courthouse, located at 200 W. Front St., Boise, ID 83702. The case type is filed as a Forcible Entry and Detainer.
Can I file an eviction online in Ada County?
Yes, Ada County accepts electronic filing for eviction cases. You can file the complaint and pay fees online, though in-person service of process is still typically required.
Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Ada County?
Idaho law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, having an attorney reduces the risk of procedural dismissals and improves outcomes, especially in contested cases.
What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Ada County?
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Ada County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in Idaho.
See full Idaho eviction laws and notice requirements.
Idaho Eviction Guide for Landlords →Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in Idaho.
Idaho Eviction Notice Templates →Is your tenant facing eviction in Ada County? See their rights.
Tenant Rights in Ada County →Relevant Idaho Statutes
- Primary eviction statute: Idaho Code § 6-303
- This guide is for informational purposes only. Laws change — verify with current Idaho statutes or a licensed Ada County attorney.