Getting Evicted? Don’t Panic — Here’s What You Can Do

Evictions are back on the rise. Now that most COVID help is gone, a lot of renters are getting notices on their doors or calls from their landlords — and it’s scary. If you’re dealing with an eviction (or think one might be coming), you're not alone.

We put this guide together to help you understand what’s happening, what your rights are, and where to turn for help. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

First Things First: What Is an Eviction?

If you’ve gotten a paper taped to your door or a letter in the mail saying you need to move out, that might be the start of the eviction process — but it doesn’t mean you have to leave right away.

In most places, your landlord can’t legally make you move out without going through the court first. That means:

• You have to be given notice
• You have the chance to show up to court
• You can explain your side of the story

So don’t just pack your things and go. Read the notice carefully, and hang onto it.

Common Reasons for Eviction

Most evictions happen for one of these reasons:

• You’ve missed rent
• You broke a rule in the lease
• The landlord wants to move in or make big changes to the property

But even if those apply to you, you still have rights. And in some places, landlords can’t evict unless they have a legally valid reason — that’s called “just cause.”

What to Do If You’ve Missed Rent

Behind on rent? It happens. Here’s what you can try:

1. See if there’s rental assistance near you.

Some cities and counties still offer help — even if the big pandemic programs are gone. Try these:

• Rental Assistance Finder
• Call 2-1-1 on your phone to ask about local help

2. Talk to your landlord.

It’s worth asking if they’ll take partial payments or set up a payment plan. If they say no, you’ve still got options.

How the Eviction Process Usually Works

Every state is a little different, but here's the basic idea:

1. You get a notice to leave. This could be called a “notice to vacate,” “notice to quit,” or something similar. Sometimes you’re given a few days to fix the issue — like pay rent or stop a lease violation.
2. The landlord files in court. If you don’t leave or solve the issue, the landlord has to take it to court.
3. You get a court summons. This tells you the date and time of the hearing. Go to this hearing. If you don’t, the judge will likely rule against you by default.
4. The judge makes a decision. If the eviction is approved, you’ll get a final notice (sometimes called a writ of possession), and law enforcement might show up later to remove you.

What If I Now Have the Rent Money?

Good question. In some places, you can stop the eviction if you pay what you owe, even after court has started. But in other places, the landlord can go ahead with it anyway.

Don’t guess — ask a local legal aid group. They’ll know what the rules are where you live.

Finding Legal Help (Even If You Can’t Afford It)

You don’t have to hire a fancy lawyer. Many places offer free or low-cost legal help, especially for housing issues.

Here’s where to look:

• LawHelp.org
• Legal Aid Directory (LSC)
• ABA Free Legal Answers

Some areas even have legal clinics in the courthouse. Show up early on your hearing day and ask around.

Can I Get My Eviction Record Sealed?

Sometimes, yes. An eviction can follow you when you try to rent somewhere else, but some states let you seal the case so future landlords can’t see it.

Ask your local legal aid group about it — even if the eviction already happened.

If You’ve Already Been Evicted

It’s hard, but you still have options.

• Call 2-1-1 to ask about emergency housing, shelter, or help with moving costs
• Check local charities or churches — many offer temporary support
• If you're a veteran, contact the VA — they often have housing programs
• Just Shelter lists groups by city and state that may be able to help

What If I’m Undocumented?

You still have rights. A landlord can’t evict you just because of your immigration status, and they’re not allowed to call ICE to threaten you.

You can also apply for rental help in many places — some programs don’t ask about immigration at all.

Need help from a trusted group? Try:

• Immigration Advocates
• Text/WhatsApp +1-971-401-2210 for help finding resources near you

Other Stuff You Might Be Wondering About

“My landlord won’t fix anything. Can I stop paying rent?” Maybe — but be careful. In some states, you can withhold rent or pay for repairs and deduct the cost, but in others that could get you evicted. Always get legal advice first.

“Can my landlord kick me out without going to court?” Nope. It’s illegal for landlords to lock you out, shut off utilities, or throw out your stuff without a court order. If that happens, call a lawyer — or even the police.

“Will an eviction wreck my credit?” An eviction itself usually doesn’t show up on your credit report, but unpaid rent or court judgments can. It can also show up on tenant screening reports landlords use.

You Deserve Safe, Stable Housing

Getting evicted can feel overwhelming, but there’s help out there. Reach out. Ask questions. Show up to court. And know that you’re not the only one going through this.

Want to get involved or help others? Check out:

• Just Shelter
• End Poverty USA
• Local tenants' unions or housing coalitions