Eviction rules vary by state and sometimes by county, and particular eviction rules must be accurately followed in order to successfully evict a tenant from a property. If eviction rules are not followed correctly, the process may be invalidated, requiring the landlord to start over from the beginning. Eviction rules are designed to protect tenants from unlawful or unfair eviction, allowing them to receive notice and a chance to respond and remedy the problem before being removed from their home. Eviction rules also protect landlords and allow them a course of action that can be taken to remove unsatisfactory tenants from their property. Eviction rules specify the amount of time a tenant has to correct a lease violation, such as nonpayment of rent or unapproved animals on the premises. Eviction rules also allow a tenant to raise a defense to the eviction if they feel they are being unfairly evicted.