I've been in my apartment for 1 1/2 years. I owe my landlord a lot of money. I was in and out of the hospital, I have a child that needs continious medical care which means less hours at my job. I don't get child support anymore, and my imcome is less than when I first moved in, so I'm having a hard time paying the rent. I got served court papers this week. I don't have a clue about what to do or what to bring to court, and I don't have and can't afford a lawyer. I'm willing to pay what I owe, and I'm willing to make a payment arrangement. I can afford the rent if I break the payment up ( half one payday, the other half the next payday) But how can I do that and still be able to continue to live in my apartment?
2007-06-18 08:13:50 · 9 answers · asked by ? 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
By the way...I'm in Chicago, IL...
2007-06-18 08:27:42 · update #1
Hi, You probably qualify to receive assistance, contact your local social services or outreach programs in the phone book, there is so much help out there for women like you, don't be afraid to call all of them someone can help you, Be honest with your landlord if you have a decent relationship with him or her see if they will work with you on the rent until you get caught up. the worst thing you can do is hide, or be ashamed be very honest and forward people appreciate this.
2007-06-26 05:37:56 · answer #1 · answered by maggie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps you can negotiate either directly or through a legal person acting as your representative. Check to see if their is a Legal Aid place provided by your state/county/city.
If you owe a significant amount of money the landlord may simply not be able to afford to eat the loss that he/she is incurring.
I would look into finding a room mate somewhere else.
I am a landlord of a rental house and if I don't get the rent, it screws ME up with my finances because I cannot afford to keep somebody else up and pay my own bills. I just cannot do it no matter what the story is. I have had to evict after someone did not pay rent for 7 months. I would, however, had been more than happy to have worked out an arrangement with partial payments. I just got completely screwed, and I cannot afford it. Finally enough is simply enough.
Really, a room mate sounds like a better option if you cannot negoiate with your landlord.
Good luck, and I hope you can get the matter resolved.
2007-06-18 15:28:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
In the state of California you will be servered with a 3 day, then a thirty 30 notice. After the 30 days the sheriff will show up to give give you a 60 day notice. At the end of the 60 days however if you have not relocated and or emptied the premisis the sheriff has the duty to remove you of the said property. To further help you tellme which state you are in. This is not a solution but a ready to buy time or keep you off the street at least untill you have some time toprepare for this transition.
2007-06-18 15:24:16 · answer #3 · answered by Gilbert M 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Landlords are not in the business of renting out for free. I'm sure the landlord has bills of his own to pay and is probably tired of dealing with you. While I understand that you've had problems....it should not be the landlords problems. The only thing that will keep you from being thrown out by the sheriff is to have all back rent with you when you get to court.
2007-06-19 14:04:42 · answer #4 · answered by LILL 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are now at the mercy of the landlord. As soon as you did not honor your part of the lease (that happened when you did not pay rent on time), you became subject to eviction. If he wants you out, you have no choice but to leave and find other living premises.
I would presume that your landlord has run out of patience in waiting for you to pay. When you get to court, you can surely bring evidence of your past payments, but that won't help you, since you are being evicted over payments you have not made, and, of course, you have no evidence that you made the payments. The judge or court commissioner will find in favor of the landlord in this situation.
2007-06-18 16:20:06 · answer #5 · answered by acermill 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As harsh as this sounds, and I feel for you - but you are not going to be able to fight this.
You should have made arrangements before it got to court, but obviously the landlord is tired of the situation.
What you need to do is seek assistance from the various organizations in your area, and find a less costly location to move into.
If the medical condition of the child is severe enough - you should be applying for some kind of SSI support.
2007-06-18 15:20:59 · answer #6 · answered by Mike Frisbee 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you better talk toyour landlord before you go to court and ask him to delay the court date. make a promise to pay and do it so u will be good for your word. im sure if u explain ur situation they might be willing to give u a break. but if u go to court and they evict you there is no more negotiating, u gotta be out. so be polite and pay back what y ou owe and stick to your word and ur landlrod might be willing to give u a second chance.
2007-06-18 15:20:53 · answer #7 · answered by spadezgurl22 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try talking with your landloard. A suit can always be settled out of court before trial. Might also give Legal Aid and the local Bar association a call about assistance.
2007-06-18 15:18:14 · answer #8 · answered by wizjp 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Try talking to your landlord before it goes to court. If all else fails try to find a lawyer who will take your case for nothing or little to nothing.
2007-06-25 01:38:42 · answer #9 · answered by RJD 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋