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Options when you get a Notice

Before your landlord can legally evict you, they must give you a Notice. This tells you what the problem is and what you need to do — or by when you need to move out.

 

You have a few options for what to do before your landlord starts a court case.

Get help deciding what to do

If you’re not sure what the Notice means or what to do next, you can get help. Find legal and housing help.

Option 1: Talk with your landlord

You may be able to solve the problem without going to court. You can try to:

  • Talk with your landlord directly

  • Work with a mediator — a trained person who helps people reach agreements

This can help you and your landlord find a solution that works for both of you.

  • Pros
    • You might be able to stay in your home
    • You can avoid going to court
    • You won’t have an eviction on your credit record
    • It could help you have a better relationship with your landlord
  • Cons

    • It can be hard to talk when you’re feeling stressed

    • It may take time to work things out

Option 2: Do what the Notice asks

If the Notice asks you to pay rent or fix a problem (like removing a pet), and you can do that before the deadline, it may stop the eviction process.

  • Pros

    • You won’t have to go to court

    • You won’t get an eviction on your credit record

  • Cons

    • You might have to spend money you need for other things

    • It could be hard or costly to do what your landlord asked (like rehoming a pet or making repairs)

Option 3: Move out

In some situations, the best thing to do is go ahead and move out before the Notice deadline.

  • Pros

    • You avoid court

    • No eviction goes on your credit record

  • Cons

    • You don’t get to tell your side to a judge

    • It may be hard or expensive to find a new place quickly

    • Your landlord can still sue you for money you owe (which can affect your credit)

Option 4: Do nothing

If you don’t respond or take any action, your landlord will likely start an eviction case in court.

  • Pros

    • You get until the Notice deadline to try to fix things

    • You can use the time to look for a new place to live

  • Cons

    • After the deadline, your landlord can start a court case against you

    • If the landlord wins, the eviction will go on your credit record

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