Back to: Finding Your Place: Overcoming Barriers in Rental Housing

This section deals with the tough topic of evictions. It explains why they happen, how the process works, and what rights renters have. Plus, it offers advice on what to do if you’re facing eviction.

• Understand Your Lease: Familiarize yourself with your lease terms and obligations to ensure compliance and avoid breaches that could lead to eviction.
• Maintain Open Communication: Keep lines of communication open with your landlord. Address any issues or concerns as they arise to prevent misunderstandings. The only winners in an eviction are the attorneys, no one, landlord included, wants to do an eviction. Your best bet is to work out a resolution with the landlord and avoid what will be a costly process which the tenant will almost always lose in the end and which will impact you for years to come.
• Know Your Rights: Educate yourself about tenant rights and eviction laws in your state to protect yourself from unlawful eviction practices.
• Prompt Payment: Ensure rent is paid on time. Set reminders and budget accordingly to avoid late payments. COMMUNICATE with the landlord, often a landlord files an eviction due to not knowing what is going on or if you intend to pay or not.
• Seek Financial Assistance: If you’re struggling to pay rent, look into local government and non-profit organizations that offer rental assistance.
• Negotiate with Landlords: If you anticipate payment issues, proactively negotiate with your landlord for a payment plan or extension.
• Cash for Keys: Explore the “cash for keys” option where you voluntarily move out in exchange for money, avoiding an eviction on your record.
• Legal Consultation: Consult with a tenant attorney or legal aid service if you face potential eviction, to explore all legal avenues for defense.
• Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all communications, payments, and notices related to your tenancy and any disputes.
• Understand the Eviction Process: Be aware of the steps involved in an eviction and the timeline to better prepare and respond effectively.
• Resolve Issues Early: Address lease violations or complaints from the landlord immediately to prevent escalation to eviction.
• Seek Mediation: Utilize mediation services to resolve disputes with landlords as an alternative to court proceedings.
• Plan for the Worst: Have a contingency plan in place, including savings for moving costs and a list of alternative housing options.
• Get a Signed Release: If you negotiate an exit before an eviction, obtain a signed release from the landlord to ensure there are no future claims.
• Don’t Walk Away: Avoid abandoning the property without notice, as this can lead to detrimental legal and financial consequences.