Advice & Resources for Renters

Now, with inflation rising, millions of Americans are faced with an even tougher challenge of keeping up with rental costs.

The good news is that you’re in the right place. KOFE has a range of resources that can help you. Below these resources, you will find different ways to stave off eviction.

Explore Rental Assistance Programs

In the wake of an economic crisis, the Federal Government in addition to many state and local governments can take measures to provide support for those who are at risk of losing their homes. One example was the eviction moratorium enacted in response to the economic downturn of 2020.

To be considered for help concerning a rental assistance program, an “eligible household” must have at least one or more individuals who meet the following criteria:

  1. Qualified for unemployment benefits or has had a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced financial hardship
  2. Is at risk of experiencing homeless or unstable housing
  3. Gross income at or below 80% of the area’s median earnings

If you are unsure which step to take and are having difficulties making your monthly payments, getting rental counseling. HUD-certified rental counselors can provide you with free assistance with:

  • Budget and credit counseling
  • Financial resources and helpful tools
  • Discuss options to avoid eviction

Negotiate with your landlord

Evictions can be costly and difficult. Not just for you, but for your landlord as well. In addition to rental assistance, renters and landlords can benefit from having a conversation about repayment plan options.

Many rental assistance programs are still accepting applications. Where renters can apply, they will often need help from landlords to properly complete the application process. Together, there is a better chance of getting the funds that are needed.

A renter/landlord relationship is built on trust. Renters entrust their landlord to avoid foreclosure and properly maintain the property, while landlords depend upon the monthly rent payments to meet their own costs and demands.

Below is a table of options to consider for renters and landlords:

OptionsHow it worksWhen this is a good option
Adjust payment date(s)Rent dates can be changed to align better with payday or break up into multiple payments.Renters who are trying to pay multiple bills could find it hard to make the full payment at the beginning of each month. If they are given an extra payday to pay the rest of the amount, it could be a significant help.
Agree to lower rent costsA smaller amount could be offered for a few months.Landlords could be willing to accept a smaller amount for a couple of months to allow the renter to get their finances in order. As long as the agreed-upon amount is paid each month, it could also work well with a repayment plan.
Try a repayment planRent that is owed is paid off over a specified period of time. A percentage of what is owed is added to each new month’s rent payment.Most people are more comfortable about making larger payments once they are back on their financial feet. Some renters could be expecting money soon, income taxes, a bonus, or a child tax credit, for example, to repay a chunk of what is owed.
Eliminate late feesAny late fees incurred are forgiven as long as a specified amount is still paid monthly.If landlords are willing to forgo any late fee payments that may have been incurred, it will help renters feel more comfortable about making the full payment each month.

Understand your rights

Understanding eviction protections is a crucial aspect of safely renting. Here are 3 situations renters could find themselves in, and how to properly navigate them.

  • Apply for state or local programs for federal money to cover rent, utilities, and other housing costs
  • Talk to your landlord about making a repayment plan. See if they are planning to file an eviction lawsuit. While it can be a tough conversation to have, most landlords don’t assume their tenant knows where they are coming from. Having a rental property is a business and they expect to be paid as such. Work with your landlord to find a compromise that can suit you both.
  • Some states are still offering moratoriums while you get the financial help you need. The list of states that are still offering eviction protection is as follows:
    • Indiana – No expiration date for protections
    • Massachusetts – Until May 31, 2023
    • Michigan – No expiration date for protections
    • Nevada – Until June 5, 2023
    • New Jersey – No expiration date for protections
    • New Mexico – No expiration date for protections
    • New York – No expiration date for protections
    • Texas – Until September 1, 2022
    • Washington – No expiration date for protections

Many renters give up before they have their day in court. But even if you’re facing a lawsuit, help is still available.

  • If you are a military Service Member who is paying less than $4,214.28 a month, you and your family cannot be evicted during your military service. Service Members also have the right to pause an eviction. The pause can be up to 90 days upon request, and the court can order a pause without a request as well.
  • Call the clerk’s court to get details on your case. There are 3 important questions you need to be sure to ask:
    1. “How long do I have to file an answer from the date I received the summons?” Know that you have a right to file a written answer to explain to the court why you should not be evicted
    2. “When is the court date?”
    3. “Does the court offer mediation or provide referrals to housing counselors?”
  • You or a lawyer representing you has the right to file a written answer to explain why you should not be evicted. The 3 things to touch upon in that letter are:
    1. Explain in detail your situation and how you are trying to get help.
    2. Describe what your landlord has or hasn’t done to get federal rental assistance funds.
    3. Include if you have personally filed for rental assistance and are waiting to hear back on the organization’s decision.

Rental assistance isn’t just for paying back the rent payments you owe. It can also be used for those evicted to help them cover the cost of moving, security deposit, and application fees. Ask the judge to forgo the eviction order, while your application is being processed. Though not guaranteed to be granted, it can give you the time you need to find a new home.

Rental Counseling

With rents continuing to rise across the country, many renters are still recovering from pandemic job and income loss. This is where rental counseling can be a crucial resource. Here’s what you can expect when you work with a counselor:

  1. The counselor will assess your housing and financial situation
  2. From there they will help you create a personalized budget and set realistic financial goals
  3. Counselors will also guide clients on how to improve credit scores and manage debt
  4. From there, they will connect you with resources that may assist with back rent, current rent payments, and utility bills.
  5. They will also teach you about your rights as a renter and can even help resolve landlord and tenant disputes.
  6. If you face a situation where eviction is unavoidable, they can help you create an action plan to transition out of the property.