If you hit hard times and face eviction, it can be difficult to know what to do if you’re removed from your rental property or are at risk of eviction. Many people fear becoming homeless while others don’t feel the decision was justified. If you get evicted in 2021, there are a few important steps to take and facts to understand when moving forward and navigating the event as a tenant.
Disputing a Court Order
You may have to head for court if the landlord gets a court order for your eviction. You can dispute the court order, but you first need to wait until you receive it before taking action. There’s a chance the state takes your side and finds the landlord isn’t capable of legally evicting you. There are some cases where you may be able to stay in the home, which includes if you’ve paid the rent in full, the landlord doesn’t accent the rent you offer, or you made a partial payment on the rent. You may also be able to stay if the rental property has issues that the landlord hasn’t fixed, which includes a lack of running water or heat.
Hire an Attorney
If you feel you deserve the stay in the rental unit, consider hiring an attorney who specializes in tenant law to ensure they can inform you of your rights and review the details of your case. A legal professional is useful for helping you prepare for court and avoid any mistakes that can threaten your case’s outcome. They’ll help you follow all the legal steps and can help you create the best argument when heading to court. If you’re limited on funds, you can reach out to many different organizations and law firms that offer discounted or free services to clients.
Obtain Financial Assistance
Although it can be challenging to face eviction, there’s financial assistance available for low to middle-income families. You can receive one-time assistance, which means they’ll send you a check to submit for your rent to ensure you can stay in the unit until you secure finances. Those who have hit hard times can have access to other free services that include money management classes and job training.
Make the Payment
You’ll need to talk to your landlord about making a full or partial payment on the rent to increase your chances of staying in the unit. If you have the funds, pay the entire balance to ensure you’re no longer at risk of eviction.
If you’re limited on funds, consider selling some of your items to get enough money to keep a roof over your head. Selling jewelry or clothes can allow you to obtain enough for your rent payment. You may even need to borrow money from a friend or family member if you’re desperate to stay in the home and are limited on options.
If you have financial hardship due to medical bills or auto issues, you can request to negotiate your payment plan with your landlord since your situation is unique and has changed since you first applied to rent out the property. You can consider a repayment plan for your outstanding balance to ensure it’s paid in full in the coming weeks or months.
Get everything in writing to ensure you can protect yourself and avoid any eviction.
Getting evicted can be challenging and difficult to navigate without the right resources and tools. Understanding the right steps to take can help you to have a plan of action and avoid becoming homeless.
