When should a landlord ask for a Writ of Possession?

Landlords pursue a Writ of Possession for reasons such as failure of the tenant to pay rent, violating terms of the lease, or remaining on the property after the lease expiration, explains LegalZoom. The Writ is typically granted by the court immediately after the landlord wins the eviction suit.

The tenant is often served with the notice by a sheriff or law enforcement official, explains About.com. The Writ orders that the tenant and his possessions must vacate the property within a certain time period, which is often 24 hours, or be forcibly removed from the premises by law enforcement officials.