Demanding a Jury Trial in an Eviction

Jury demands have deadlines of their own — miss them and the right is gone.

The short version

Many states require the jury demand with the answer or by a separate motion within days, often with a fee. The demand is strategic: juries hear habitability and retaliation defenses differently than judges do.

What to do, in order

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Evidence and records to keep

["Check your state's deadline and required form for jury demands.", 'File the demand with or immediately after the answer.', 'Pay the fee or apply for a waiver.', 'Calendar the jury deposit deadlines that follow.', 'Prepare the case for jurors, not just the judge.']

Verify before you file

Deadlines, fees, and forms in this area are set by statute, court rule, or tribunal practice, and they change. Confirm the current requirement on the official your state self-help portal or with the clerk before relying on anything here. This page is general procedural information, not legal advice, and creates no attorney-client relationship.