Facing eviction with nowhere to go is a stressful experience, but you have options. Here’s what to do if you get evicted and have nowhere to go.
What To Do If You Get Evicted And Have Nowhere To Go
Being evicted with no place to go is one of the toughest things to go through, especially when it feels like you don’t have any good options. But this situation isn’t forever and financial, practical, and legal help is available.
It’s easy to panic when you’re holding an eviction notice in your hands, but making big decisions when you’re stressed always leads to mistakes. So close your eyes and take some deep calming breaths.
Eviction doesn’t happen in a single day—it’s a process. Depending on where you are in that process, you might have more time and options than you think.
And even if the worst happens—like staying in a shelter for a little while—it’s only temporary. You will get through this. There are resources out there that can help you. And taking action now will give you more control over the outcome.
Related Article to Read: How Long Does It Take For Eviction To Get Off Your Record?
Check The Details Of Your Eviction Notice
Lots of people confuse a “7-day pay or quit” notice with an eviction notice, but they’re actually at opposite ends of the eviction timeline—a timeline that often stretches out for many months.
Pay or quit notice – this is the first step in the eviction process. It means your landlord is giving you a chance to pay what you owe or move out. You aren’t being evicted yet, but you don’t have much time before your landlord takes legal action to get you out.
Can you come up with all or some of the rent? By borrowing money or selling possessions, negotiating a payment plan, or applying for emergency rent assistance you can avoid eviction altogether at this stage.
Court summons – If you’ve received a summons from the court, your landlord has filed a lawsuit. If you hope to avoid or delay the eviction, you need to respond to the summons or your landlord will get a default judgment against you.
Eviction notice – You’re almost at the end of the eviction process if you’ve received the final eviction notice from the court. Your landlord can legally remove you from the property, often within a few weeks.
But even here, you’ve got options, like negotiating more time to move out, appealing to the court for an extension, or getting emergency housing assistance.
Plan To Pay Off Rental Debt
Talking to your landlord might feel like the last thing you want to do right now, but sometimes, being open about your situation can lead to more time to pay, a payment plan, or even a temporary reduction in rent.
Landlords would often rather work things out than deal with the hassle (and costs) of evicting someone and finding new tenants.
- Be honest and let them know if you’re working on a solution, like applying for rental assistance or unemployment benefits, or getting a second job
- Offer a realistic payment plan to catch up on rent, even if it takes a few months
Think about the future. Renting with an eviction on your record is hard, not clearing your debt will make renting even harder.
Get Immediate Help
If your landlord isn’t open to negotiation, don’t worry, you still have options. Many cities have organizations that will step in and help when you’re facing eviction and homelessness.
Call 2-1-1 (free service) – By calling 2-1-1 you can connect with local resources for housing, food, and other types of assistance. When your call connects, tell the advisor “I am getting evicted and have nowhere to go”. They’ll need to ask you some questions so have your eviction notice to hand.
The support you need is spread across charities; non-governmental organizations; and social services provided by federal, state, and city programs.
Your 2-1-1 advisor will help you find emergency housing, direct you to rent and utility assistance programs and tell you how to access support from social services and housing counselors so you don’t have to face this alone.
Depending on the resources available in your area, you could even get an emergency Section 8 voucher or a payment covering your security deposit and first month’s rent so you can move into a new place.
Finding A Place To Stay
Friends and Family
Emergency housing and shelters aren’t your only choices. If you have to move out, try to arrange temporary accommodation with your friends and family.
If possible, make things easier on your hosts by spending a few nights each week at different places instead of moving into someone’s home for several months. By splitting your time between residences, you’re less likely to overstay your welcome.
No Lease Rentals
If you still have some income, a monthly Airbnb or a long-stay hotel could be a good temporary solution. Long-stay hotels offer all-inclusive weekly and monthly rates and hosts on Airbnb often have big discounts for long-term stays.
Both types of accommodation are fully furnished and include all bills, so they’re more affordable than you think.
Find a monthly Airbnb here.
Can You Stop or Delay an Eviction?
Yes, you can. There are ways to stop or delay the eviction—but only if you engage with the process.
Don’t Skip the Hearing
If you don’t attend your court hearing, you lose the case by default. Tenants who attend their hearings often get more time to resolve their issues.
Fighting an eviction requires legal knowledge, and this is where a housing counselor or tenants’ rights organization can step in.
These experts know how to navigate the court process and will help you prepare your case, file the right paperwork, and stand by your side at the hearing.
Again, 2-1-1 can connect you with the help you need or you can run a quick search for your city and “tenant rights” or “eviction defense”. Some cities even hold a weekly eviction clinic at the courthouse where you can go for free legal advice.
Delaying the Eviction
Even when your landlord files an eviction case, it can be weeks or months before the sheriff shows up to enforce it. This gives you time to try to stop or delay it.
Request a delay or extension: Some states allow tenants to request a court order postponing the move-out date.
For example, in Massachusetts, tenants can be granted up to six months to stay in their homes. If you’re over 60 or disabled, that could be extended for up to 12 months.
File an appeal: If you believe the court’s eviction decision was unfair or made in error, you have the right to appeal.
Filing an appeal needs to happen quickly, so make sure you consult a tenant’s rights group or housing counselor for expert help. The eviction will be on hold while your appeal is considered.
No matter where you are in the eviction process, you can get help. The best thing you can do to help yourself right now is pick up the phone and call 2-1-1.
Most Related: Can I Buy A House With An Eviction On My Record?
Alex Graham is a co-founder and manages high-quality content that helps once evicted/ex-felons find a place to call. home. Alex believes even if he can help one person return to a good, wholesome life it is well worth the effort.