Much of the federally mandated eviction relief has expired for the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there may still be help accessible to prevent eviction based off of unpaid rent due to COVID-19 specifically.

Let’s look at all the options that may be available to you:

State Assistance:

Some states have paused eviction proceedings until 60 or 90 days after the statewide declaration of emergency or health emergency has ended. Evictions based on unpaid rent due to COVID-19 are currently paused until Feb.1^st, 2021 in California. Gov. Newsom is proposing an extension to this as well as payment of a $600 stimulus check for low-income residents of CA.

Check your state government’s websites for updates on what help is available to you. Even though pandemic related assistance may have ended, your state might have rent assistance programs for general use available outside of pandemic related assistance.

Local County/City Assistance

You can also often find assistance in your local county and/or city. For example, those in Houston, TX can take advantage of a volunteer lawyer program and a dispute resolution center in order to mediate a land-lord tenant dispute. Check your local government websites for more information.

Advice from the NAA

The National Apartment Association (NAA) suggests that all renters who have had difficulty paying rent during COVID-19 speak with their landlords to discuss their situation and determine an amicable solution for both parties. Keep in mind, landlords also have COVID-19 related assistance available to them too.

Financial Counseling Assistance Via Your Legal Plan

The LegalEASE legal plan includes 10 hours of financial counseling for plan members.