Download the Legal Aid Tenant Assistance Flyer and Application
CAN I BE EVICTED DURING THE PANDEMIC?
Each local court is making its own decision on whether to allow evictions to go forward. It is possible you canstill be evicted at this time. Contact your local court to find out their most up-to-date procedures.
IF MY LOCAL COURT HAS STOPPED PROCESSING EVICTIONS, SHOULD I PAY MY RENT?
Yes. You are still responsible for paying rent. Failure to pay rent can result in an eviction, now or later. If your landlord will not take rent money, save your rent money and contact Legal Aid.
CAN MY LANDLORD PREVENT ME FROM ALLOWING A GUEST INTO MY APARTMENT BUILDING OR HOME?
Your landlord may have new rules and restrictions to limit guests during the pandemic. Check with your landlord to be sure.
Medical professionals and caregivers should still be able to come into your home. If you experience problems with this, contact Legal Aid.
CAN MY LANDLORD PREVENT ME FROM USING COMMON SPACES, SUCH AS LAUNDRY FACILITIES, MEETING ROOMS, ETC.?
Your landlord may have new rules and restrictions to discourage use of common spaces during this public health crisis. But they cannot prevent you from using necessary facilities, such as laundry rooms.
I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PAY MY RENT DUE TO ECONOMIC HARDSHIP CREATED BY THE CORONAVIRUS, LIKE LOSING MY JOB. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?
You are still responsible for paying rent. You should prioritize basic living expenses like housing, medication, and food. There may be some resources in your community that can help during this time. Reach out to your local 2-1-1 and other agencies to see what help may be available.
If you are still unable to make your rent payment, you may try to work out arrangements with your landlord. Contact your landlord to discuss your situation before your rent is due, and be sure to get any agreement in writing (for example, a written agreement signed by both you and your landlord, an email from them, text messages, etc.). Keep good records of any agreement and any payments you make.
IF I CAN’T PAY MY RENT, CAN MY LANDLORD LOCK ME OUT OF MY HOME OR TURN OFF MY UTILITIES?
No. Your landlord is not allowed to lock you out of your home or turn off your utilities as a way to try to force you to leave. The only way they can force you out is by evicting you through the court. If your landlord tries to force you out in other ways, contact Legal Aid immediately.