If you’re behind on rent and received a demand for payment, an eviction notice, or an eviction lawsuit, help is available.
We can help you understand your rights and how to take advantage of federal and state help.
Share & printIf you want to stay in your home, make a plan to catch up on your rent.
You can apply to state or local organizations for federal money to cover rent, utilities, and other housing costs. Get help with rental housing costs
Find out if your landlord is willing to work with you or if they plan to file an eviction lawsuit. It is very rare for a landlord to prefer going through the process of evicting you instead of receiving their rent. Sometimes, the hardest part is just getting the conversation started.
Some states or local areas have rules that could delay your eviction while you get help. Local housing counselors, legal aid, and social services organizations can help you understand how state or local eviction protections work.
If an eviction lawsuit HAS been filed against youToo many renters give up before they have a chance to go to court. It can feel overwhelming to respond to the lawsuit, or to go to court. But these are important actions to take. When you respond to the lawsuit, you could share information that might help you avoid eviction, and you can object to information or accusations that are not true. So don’t delay—talk with a lawyer.
If you’re a servicemember, talk with your local Legal Assistance Office
. If your rent is less than $4,214.28 a month (as of 2022), you and your dependents can’t be evicted from a residential home during your military service, and your property can’t be seized as payment of rent, unless there is a court order against you.
Servicemembers also have the right to pause a court eviction. If you are taken to court for an eviction, you and your dependents can pause the eviction for up to 90 days upon request. The court can also order a pause on its own, without a request.
During the pandemic, the federal government provided billions in federal rental assistance. Many of these programs have now closed or stopped accepting applications, but some money may still be available. Learn about emergency rental assistance in your area.
You can call the court clerk and ask these questions about your case:
You have the right to file a written answer explaining to the court why you should not be evicted. If you don’t have a lawyer yet, you can file an answer on your own.
The judge may delay or dismiss the eviction because you are trying to get help.
If a court has ruled that you can be evictedEmergency rental assistance isn’t just for back rent. Find out if your local rental assistance program is offering help to people seeking a new home. Find your local rental assistance program.
Ask the judge or the court clerk if the eviction order can be placed on hold while your application for emergency rental assistance is being processed.
Some state and local areas have rules that could delay your eviction while you get help. Local housing counselors, legal aid, and social services organizations can help you understand how state eviction protections work.
If your landlord is threatening to evict you, or you need help understanding your rights, talk to a lawyer. You may qualify for free legal aid, based on your income.
More eviction help
Housing counselors can help you find resources in your area and make a plan.
If you’d like help from a local expert who offers rental housing counseling, contact a HUD-approved housing counseling agency
You may have additional rights, such as: