Renters threatened with eviction have certain rights under both federal and state laws which protect them from unlawful evictions. Laws also allow renters to defend themselves in court hearings and file suits against landlords for illegal eviction tactics such as harassment and intimidation. Landlords must follow proper legal procedure when evicting tenants; this includes serving renters eviction notices and following up with the filing of official eviction complaints with the court if necessary. Renters who are served eviction notices for nonpayment of rent or other lease violations usually have a specified amount of time to either pay rent or correct the violation in order to avoid eviction. Renters threatened with eviction also have the option to file an answer to an eviction complaint detailing why they should not be evicted. Renters may also be able to delay eviction or request more time if they are elderly or have a physical handicap.