Post-Eviction Housing Options and Resources

After struggling to pay rent, your landlord may start eviction proceedings. Once you get an eviction notice, you have little time to figure out what to do next. There are social services and housing programs, but they may have long waits. Many renters also don’t meet the low-income eligibility.

Americans facing eviction have some supportive service options and resources. Legal services for housing stability can depend on where you live. For more information about post-eviction housing options in your area, reach out to a local eviction attorney for legal advice.

How Can You Find Emergency Housing?

Emergency housing is the first priority for people getting kicked out of their rental housing. Immediate housing assistance may require contacting an emergency shelter. Your city, county, or state should have local resources for emergency housing. You can also dial 2-1-1 to find emergency housing resources in your area.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers a list of local homeless assistance services by state. It has information about affordable housing, rental relief, and emergency housing resources.

HUD also provides referrals for free homeless counseling services. Housing counselors can offer housing assistance and homeless prevention services. Housing counseling can also address foreclosure prevention for homeowners. You can search for housing counseling services by region and language if English isn’t your native language.

What Can You Do If You’ll Be Evicted Soon?

If you haven’t been kicked out of your apartment yet, you may still have time. Preventing eviction is better than searching for housing from scratch. Contact your local legal aid or tenant rights organization. Local organizations can provide legal assistance for renters at risk of eviction.

You can also get help with your rent payments. Most pandemic eviction moratoriums have been lifted. State and local government agencies provide emergency rental assistance programs. Emergency rental assistance is short-term help for people who are behind in their rent.

Contact your local rental assistance organizations through the following websites:

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
• National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC)
• HUD Public Housing Agencies

Are There Shelters Just for Families?

Most areas have emergency shelters just for families, as the housing needs of families and children are unique. Family shelters can also help with transitional living centers and family services. Some shelters provide housing for families facing domestic violence. Family shelters can also connect you with other resources, like WIC and SNAP.

Finding Disabled, Veteran, and Elderly Housing

Some housing agencies provide resources for veterans, disabled people, or older people. When you contact your local housing assistance agency, tell them about your personal needs. The disabled, elderly, and veterans may qualify for other financial benefits and housing choice vouchers.

Finding New Housing After an Eviction

You’ll eventually want to transition back to your own rental unit after you secure temporary housing. Unfortunately, if you have an eviction on your record, it’s harder to get past the housing application. If you disclose a prior eviction, the property manager may not even consider your application.

An eviction can show up on your credit report or tenant screening report. Your credit report can show money judgments from an eviction action. Or it may show unpaid rent sent to collections. You can dispute any inaccurate information from your credit report.

A tenant screening report can show any court records related to an eviction lawsuit. Your tenant history check can show your landlord filed an eviction case. As a renter, you have the right to request a copy of the tenant screening report used by the landlord. You can also dispute any errors in the screening report. Clearing up your record can improve your chances of finding a new place to live.

Can You Get Low-Income or Subsidized Housing After an Eviction?

Generally, getting into low-income or subsidized housing is a longer-term prospect. It can take weeks, months, or years to find long-term subsidized housing. Subsidized housing waiting periods depend on location. Housing in high-cost-of-living areas and areas with limited affordable housing can take much longer to secure. Families and people with special needs can also get priority on the waitlist.

Ideally, you’ll apply for low-income housing long before an eviction. If you still aren’t approved by the time the sheriff comes to clear the property, you may have to rely on emergency housing.

Can a Lawyer Help After an Eviction?

A lawyer can give you legal help for your eviction. They can challenge the eviction process, negotiate a payment plan, or represent you in the eviction hearing. Your lawyer can also help when you’re looking for housing after an eviction. They can seal your court records and dispute any inaccurate eviction history on your tenant history. For legal advice about finding housing after an eviction, contact a local eviction lawyer.