Frequently Asked Questions

• Do NOT withhold your rent

• Have a copy of communications (texts, emails, online portal submissions) informing the landlord of the issue

• If your landlord has refused to make a repair after written notice of the issue, you are entitled to seek legal aide

• If your housing unit is unsafe to live in: Call code enforcement to have your unit inspected.

YES!

• Your court date is NOT the date you need to be out of your home - it is the day of your trial. 

• It is very important that you show up to court

  • You will have the opportunity to present your case to a judge for why you should not be evicted or negotiate a payment plan through mediation. 

  • If you have a plan - you will have the opportunity to ask the judge for "continuance" meaning you might be given a secodn chance.

  • If you lose your case - you will have the opportunity to ask the judge for an delay of your eviction to give you more time.

• Prepare printed documents to bring - courts may not accept digital media

• Review your rights as a tenant: www.bit.ly/sbLTR-R

• Prepare copies of your lease, any records of communication you have with your landlord, pay stubs, and government-issued ID.