Idaho Code §§ 6-301 to 6-324 § 6-311A
JUDGMENT ON TRIAL BY COURT.
Operative Text
In an action exclusively for possession of a tract of land of five (5) acres or less for the nonpayment of rent or on the grounds that the landlord has reasonable grounds to believe that a person is, or has been, engaged in the unlawful delivery, production, or use of a controlled substance on the leased premises during the term for which the premises are let to the tenant, or for forcible detainer, or if the tenant is a tenant at sufferance pursuant to subsection (11) of section 45-1506, Idaho Code, the action shall be tried by the court without a jury. If, after hearing the evidence the court concludes that the complaint is not true, it shall enter judgment against the plaintiff for costs and disbursements. If the court finds the complaint true or if judgment is rendered by default, it shall render a general judgment against the defendant and in favor of the plaintiff, for restitution of the premises and the costs and disbursements of the action. If the court finds the complaint true in part, it shall render judgment for the restitution of such part only, and the costs and disbursements shall be taxed as the court deems just and equitable. No provision of this law shall be construed to prevent the bringing of an action for damages.
Idaho Code § 6-311A establishes that certain eviction cases — specifically those involving nonpayment of rent, alleged drug activity on the premises, forcible detainer, or tenancy at sufferance on tracts of five acres or less — are decided by a judge alone, without a jury. Depending on the outcome, the court may award possession of the premises to the landlord, dismiss the case and award costs to the tenant, or grant only partial relief if the complaint is found partly true. The provision also preserves the right of either party to pursue a separate lawsuit for monetary damages, independent of the eviction proceeding itself.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 6-311A, landlords bringing qualifying eviction actions — such as nonpayment of rent or drug-related activity on leased premises — should be prepared for a bench trial decided solely by a judge. A compliant operator typically maintains thorough documentation of lease terms, payment records, and any evidence supporting the complaint, since the court's judgment on costs and restitution will turn on the evidence presented. Landlords should also be aware that this provision does not foreclose a separate damages action if financial losses beyond possession are at issue.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 6-311A means that if a landlord files one of these qualifying eviction actions against a tenant, the case will be heard by a judge rather than a jury, and the outcome — including who pays court costs — depends on what the evidence shows. Tenants have the right to present their side of the case, and if the court finds the complaint untrue, judgment including costs can be entered in the tenant's favor. Tenants facing such proceedings may benefit from contacting a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand available defenses and options under § 6-311A.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 22, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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