What to do if you’re facing eviction

If you want to stay in your home, make a plan to catch up on your rent.

Get help with rent and utilities

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

Talk with your landlord about making a repayment plan

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.

Find out about state or local protections

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.

Too 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.

You may qualify for free legal help

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.

Get help with rent and utilities

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.

Learn more from the court

You can call the court clerk and ask these questions about your case:

• I understand that I have the right to file a written answer explaining to the court why I should not be evicted. How long do I have to file an answer from the date I received the summons?
• Is there a court date yet?
• Does the court offer mediation or provide referrals to housing counselors?
• Do I have the right to have a lawyer? If not, where can I find a lawyer to help me?

File an answer

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.

• Explain your situation and what you are doing to try and find help.
• Describe what your landlord has or hasn’t done to get rental assistance funds.
• If you applied for rental assistance or assistance with utilities and are waiting for a decision from a local organization, include that in your answer, too.

The judge may delay or dismiss the eviction because you are trying to get help.

Visit LawHelp.org to learn how to file an answer to the eviction lawsuit in your state

Apply for help to cover the cost of moving, a security deposit, and application fees

Emergency 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 for more time to get rent help

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.

Find out about state or local protections

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.