By Annie Nova -
CNBC
Rising rental prices and the end of pandemic eviction moratoriums have caused more and more tenants to face eviction orders.
In the first week of January alone, Princeton University's Eviction Lab organization tallied more than 9,300 evictions in the nine states and 32 cities it monitors.
For example, in New York City nearly 4,400 families and renters have been evicted from their apartments since January 2022, when the moratorium was lifted.
“We have seen an increase in eviction orders in the areas we monitor in recent months, in some cases to pre-pandemic levels and in others worse,” said Jacob Haas, a research specialist at Eviction Lab.
Aid for renters during the pandemic expired in several states, which has increased evictions.
Getty Images
Those who are behind in rent or have been evicted
“face a traumatic and destructive family experience
,” Haas said.
But tenants can be better prepared if they know their rights and are better informed about what their landlords can and cannot do.
Know your rights
Although it is a difficult time for renters, as rents have risen in price, the pandemic has also brought new protections.
According to experts, it is crucial that you know your rights as a property renter.
In some cities, for example,
landlords are limited when it comes to raising the rent.
If you are facing eviction for an illegal increase, you can talk to your landlord and even take it to housing court.
In some places, tenants are entitled to a certain period of notice in case of eviction.
That time is 90 days minimum in certain cities such as Portland (Maine).
And in others like Oakland, California, teachers and families with school-age children have recently benefited from new eviction protections.
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In the meantime, if your landlord has raised your rent above a certain amount, in some cities, like Seattle and Portland, Oregon, you can ask your local government to cover part of your moving expenses.
Go to a lawyer
If your landlord has decided to evict you, housing advocates recommend that you find a lawyer as soon as possible.
A study conducted in New Orleans revealed that more than 65% of tenants without legal representation were evicted, compared to only 15% of those who attended the hearing with an attorney.
You can find free or low-cost legal help in your state on the Lawhelp.org website.
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In a growing number of states, including Washington, Maryland, and Connecticut, tenants facing eviction have the right to an attorney.
You can find a longer list of locations at civilrighttocounsel.org.
Consider other payment options
Most of the rental assistance programs that opened during the pandemic are now closed, but some are still accepting applications.
A state-by-state guide to the assistance options still available can be found on the National Low Income Housing Coalition website.
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The next option is not one that experts recommend, but some renters are using their credit cards to pay their rent.
Few property owners or managers accept this method, so look to a third-party system, such as
Plastiq or PayPal
.
But this option should only be used in extreme situations, said Ted Rossman, a senior industry analyst at CreditCards.com.
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“The biggest problem they (those who pay with credit cards) face is balance and interest,” Rossman says.
“This can make an already sizeable expense that much more substantial.”
Instead, he recommends tenants ask the landlord for an extension or a payment plan.
Other ways to pay rent may be to borrow from family and friends, or take money from your retirement plan, Rossman added.
