How to Try to Prevent Your Eviction
As federal benefits near the end, millions of Americans are still looking for work. Last week, another 1.3 million people applied for the first unemployment benefits. Without the ability to defer mortgage payments, tenants can be especially vulnerable.
While state and local governments have suspended the evictions, some of the orders may have ended, and the CARES moratorium will expire on July 25. Without these orders, the COVID-19 Eviction Defense Project predicts that up to 23 million rental families could lose their homes. until September 30th.
If you are struggling to pay your rent and are faced with the possibility of an eviction, you may have more options than you expect. But as the New York Times reports , the eviction prevention process can take at least a week, so the sooner you act, the better your chances of staying in your home.
Chat with your landlord
After getting laid off from your job, your first instinct may be to dodge landlord calls. But it might be better to call them, explain your situation, and tell them how it might affect your next rent.
Try to negotiate
Once you speak with your landlord, see if they are ready to close the deal. They may be willing to waive rent, reduce your rent, or accept your bond as payment.
Know the rules
Take time to sort out your local, state, and federal tenant protection measures . For example, a landlord cannot evict you while they are postponing their mortgage payments. A couple of other helpful resources include the National Housing Coalition’s database of federal moratoriums and this local action table .
Seek legal advice
If the landlord is filing an eviction lawsuit against you, you may not be provided with a lawyer. However, you can hire someone yourself, but for less than you expect. Start by contacting your local legal aid office and consulting a volunteer attorney. This may prompt the landlord to negotiate the outstanding balance.
Do not disappear
While you may feel hopeless, an eviction notice does not mean you have to leave your home. Depending on where you live, this may take several steps. After you receive notice of termination, the landlord can sue you. If the judge rules against you, an officer will come to complete the eviction.
In the meantime, start a dialogue with your landlord and find out about your rights . You can try hiring a volunteer attorney to negotiate with the landlord and seek help at the state or local level .