Types of Financial Help for Evictions

The eviction process can cause legal headaches, financial difficulty and emotional stress. There are many services available to help an individual that is facing an eviction. It’s important to know the types of services available to anyone facing an eviction. Churches and social service agencies are often the first source of financial assistance used to prevent an eviction.

• Talk to your landlord. Most landlords are willing to discuss a payment arrangement rather than filing eviction papers. Be honest with your landlord and let them know the reason for the financial distress. The eviction process is an expensive and tedious legal process for your landlord. If you can keep your payments current or setup a payment arrangement your landlord may decide not to pursue an eviction. Your landlord may be able to help by moving the delinquent payment to the end of the lease, to relieve some of the financial distress.  


• Contact local churches and charitable programs. Many churches may be able to help a church member facing eviction. Churches and charities work hard to prevent an individual from becoming homeless. In many large cities and urban areas there are numerous organizations available to provide assistance during an eviction. Some charities require that an individual requesting financial assistance have secure employment. Some churches may also provide assistance by offering to pay all or a portion of the rent directly to the landlord or property management company.


• Look into Employee Assistance Programs, (EAP). Employee assistance programs are designed to help employees facing critical financial issues such as an eviction. Employee assistance programs may provide counseling and even financial assistance to employees facing an eviction. An employee must meet the employers’ requirements for the assistance program and complete all the required forms. If you are a valued employee, it is in the employers’ best interest to help an employee facing a legal crisis such as an eviction.


• Apply for a third party loan. A loan can help prevent an eviction. The loan must be repaid according to the terms of the loan agreement.  If it is necessary to borrower money it may be better to borrower from a friend or family member as the payment terms may be more flexible.  Payday loans are another resource to consider when facing an eviction. However many payday loans are very expensive and may contribute to more financial distress.