What To Do If You Are Being Evicted With No Place To Go?

Read the eviction notice closely to confirm the notice type, deadline, and whether it complies with your state's rules. Knowing these details lets you act before the clock runs out.

1. Identify the notice type. Look for labels such as 'pay‑or‑quit,' '30‑day termination,' or 'court‑summons.' Each type triggers different deadlines.
2. Check your state's required notice period. Nonpayment notices often require 3‑14 days, while no‑fault terminations may need 30‑60 days or more, depending on local statutes. Verify the exact rule for your jurisdiction; a quick check of your state's housing code or a site like California eviction notice guide can confirm the period.
3. Confirm required information is present. The notice must list the landlord's name, rental address, reason for eviction, and the move‑out date. Missing or incorrect details can render the notice invalid.
4. Spot any errors. Wrong dates, misspelled addresses, or absent signatures are red flags. Note them and flag the notice for discussion with your landlord or legal aid.
5. Document and set reminders. Photograph or scan the notice, write the deadline on a calendar, and calculate how many days you have left. Use this timeline when you move on to negotiating rent or contacting legal aid in the next sections.

Ask your landlord for a written payment plan the moment you get the eviction notice.

Propose a realistic schedule and back it with documentation.

• Review the notice, calculate the total owed, then suggest a feasible installment plan (for example, half now, the rest in weekly payments).
• Gather proof of income loss - pay stubs, unemployment letters, or medical bills - to show why you need the plan.
• Offer something in return, such as extra property upkeep or a modest late‑fee waiver, to make the deal more attractive.
• Draft a written agreement, have both parties sign, and keep a copy for your records.
• Send a friendly reminder a day before each payment is due to stay on the landlord's radar.
• If the landlord declines, mention free mediation services or local tenant‑rights groups before contacting legal aid (see the next section).

Call your local legal aid office now; they offer free help reviewing the eviction notice, advising on your rights, and may assist in negotiating with the landlord.

• Search 'legal aid + your city' or dial 211 to get the nearest office's phone number.
• Gather the eviction notice, lease, payment records, and any correspondence with the landlord before you call.
• Explain the situation briefly, ask if a free tenant‑law attorney can review the notice and represent you in court.
• Request information on emergency rental assistance programs - these will be covered in the next step.
• Follow the office's intake instructions; many agencies schedule an in‑person or virtual consultation within 24‑48 hours.

Find free legal aid for tenants

Apply for emergency rental assistance by contacting your state, city, or tribal housing agency and submitting the required paperwork promptly.

• Identify the correct portal  -  search your local housing authority website or use the HUD rental assistance overview to find links to state‑run applications.
• Collect essential documents: eviction notice, lease agreement, recent pay stubs or benefit statements, utility bills, government‑issued ID, and any proof of hardship.
• Complete the application online or on paper before the deadline; many portals require a brief personal statement explaining why you need aid.
• Upload or mail copies of your documents; keep the originals safe for verification.
• After submission, note the case‑manager's contact info, respond quickly to any requests for additional evidence, and ask about the expected timeline for funding.

Securing emergency rental aid can buy you the time needed to explore temporary housing options and protect your belongings while you address the eviction.

Locate a shelter or crisis hotline right now by (1) dialing 211 or visiting its website, (2) checking your city's official housing page, and (3) searching 'emergency shelter near me' on a map app. The 211 service connects you to local temporary housing providers and social‑service hotlines, while municipal sites list shelters that accept individuals with an eviction notice.

Save the numbers and addresses you find; they'll be needed when you move on to specialized aid such as disability protections or veteran‑specific programs. For a nationwide checklist, see National 211 service directory, and for federal options, review HUD emergency housing resources.

Disabled tenants have legal shields that can block or modify an eviction if the landlord's action conflicts with the Fair Housing Act or the Americans with Disabilities Act. Those statutes require a landlord to consider a 'reasonable accommodation' and forbid retaliation for requesting one.

Examples include asking the landlord to allow a service animal even if the lease bans pets, requesting extra time to pay rent while you arrange disability‑related assistance, or seeking a lease‑term change that lets you stay in temporary housing longer.

Submit the request in writing, keep a copy, and cite the Fair Housing Act (fair housing protections for disabled renters). If the landlord refuses, contact a local legal aid organization (as described earlier) and consider filing a complaint with HUD. These steps may keep the eviction notice from being enforced while you secure emergency rental assistance or shelter.

Veterans facing eviction can apply for the VA's Supportive Services for Veteran Families, HUD‑VASH vouchers, and state‑run emergency rent grants, which may cover rent, utilities, or temporary housing.

Start by calling your local VA Benefits office or visiting VA homeless assistance portal to file a claim, then check HUD‑VASH voucher program for rapid placement, and explore Supportive Services for Veteran Families network for cash assistance; if your state runs a veteran housing grant, contact the state veterans affairs department via state veterans affairs office.

Tell your children what the eviction notice means, explain that you'll be staying in temporary housing, and answer their questions honestly so they feel informed, not blindsided.

• Keep daily routines (meals, school, bedtime) as unchanged as possible; consistency reduces anxiety.
• Involve kids in packing a "comfort box" with toys, books, and personal items; giving them choice restores a sense of control.
• Practice a simple walk‑through of the new shelter or transitional home, pointing out bathrooms, sleeping areas, and safety exits.
• Use age‑appropriate language; for younger kids say 'we're moving to a new house for a little while,' for teens discuss 'temporary housing' and the steps you're taking.
• Reach out to local child‑focused support services, such as national resources for children facing eviction, for counseling or activity kits.

Maintain the established routine once you arrive at the temporary location and check in daily about how they're feeling; this prepares the family for the next phase of safely storing belongings after the move.

Store belongings safely by inventorying every item, flagging essentials, and moving non‑essentials to short‑term holding spots. Separate valuables - documents, medication, electronics - from furniture that can be boxed. Label each box with contents and destination to avoid frantic searching later (as we covered above).

Ask trusted friends or family if spare rooms, garages, or basements can serve as interim shelters; local charities often accept boxed donations and may offer free storage for a limited period. If no personal network exists, compare nearby self‑storage facilities for month‑to‑month rates and choose units with climate control when climate‑sensitive items are involved. Keep a written receipt and inventory list for every location to prove ownership if disputes arise.

Wrap fragile pieces in bubble wrap or moving blankets, seal boxes with packing tape, and elevate pallets off the floor to protect against moisture. Consider a renter's insurance add‑on that covers stored items for added peace of mind. With belongings secured, transition to the next step of rebuilding stability after moving out.

Rebuilding stability after moving out means securing income, finding permanent housing, and restoring everyday routines. First, pursue any pending wages, unemployment benefits, or emergency cash grants you qualified for during the eviction notice phase, because steady cash flow fuels every next step. Next, convert temporary housing into a long‑term plan by applying to local public housing agencies, nonprofit rental‑assistance programs, or HUD's affordable housing listings while you keep an eye on short‑term subsidies that may bridge the gap. Simultaneously, gather pay stubs, bank statements, and your eviction notice to rebuild a rental‑history file that landlords will trust; a tidy file can offset the stigma of a recent move.

Then, reconnect with friends, family, or community organizations you learned about in the 'find local shelters and hotlines now' section - they often provide childcare, meals, or job leads that smooth daily life. Finally, set a simple schedule: budget weekly expenses, track utility payments, and schedule a monthly check‑in with a case manager or legal aid contact to keep any remaining eviction‑related issues from resurfacing. This proactive loop of income, housing, and support creates a foundation that steadies life after the move.