Worried About Eviction?
Discover resources to help you get back on track.
Maybe you’re behind on your rent. Or you know you won’t be able to make next month’s payment.
Either way, if you think you’ll be getting evicted from your home or apartment, you don’t have to go through this process alone.
AARP Foundation, which has been helping people secure the essentials for more than 60 years, has a list of resources to help you find emergency rental assistance, find affordable rentals, and make a plan for what to do with your belongings, should you get evicted.
Tenant Eviction Rights
Learn what you need to know about how evictions work and what rights you have when facing eviction.
Rent Relief Programs
Financial assistance may be available in your state. Discover housing assistance, relief programs and other services especially for renters in your area.
Housing Counselors
Find free housing counseling services from Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help you stay in your home.
Affordable Rentals
Search HUD’s rentals for low-income and special needs families in your state.
Rental Assistance Options
Find out about government programs designed to ease housing costs, including public housing and housing choice vouchers.
Local Tenant Associations
Search for organizations in your area that work to provide affordable housing and prevent eviction.
Affordable Legal Aid
Discover free and low-cost legal services for renters and homeowners facing evictions.
Assistance Tips
Discover how to apply for money to cover rent and utilities through federal, state, or county programs that may help you stay in your home.
Facing a possible eviction is tough, but many renters go through it, especially these days. We hope having this reliable information will help you come through this with a new apartment and better days ahead.
Your Eviction Action Plan
If you have to move suddenly, here are three things you need to do ASAP.
Find Temporary Housing
Option 1: Stay with Family or Friends
If you have friends or family you can lean on, now is the time to do so. They may be happy to have you stay with them — people want to help. But you can also offer to pay some rent for a room, helping them out with their finances as well. Another bonus? When you apply for an apartment, they can act as your reference.
Option 2: Borrow Money for a New Rental
Ask your family or friends if you can borrow money to rent another apartment — you will need enough for the first month’s rent and security deposit. Landlords typically run credit reports and an eviction could affect yours. Even if your rental history isn’t perfect, you may find an understanding landlord willing to rent to you. Be honest about your situation and remain positive when discussing your previous landlord.
Option 3: Rent a Hotel Room
If you can’t stay with someone or borrow money, a hotel or hostel you can rent by the day or week can give you a temporary place to stay while you search for a new place to live.
Option 4: Go to a Shelter Near You
If you have nowhere else to go, then your best bet is to head to a local emergency assistance shelter for a safe, warm place to stay in your time of need. Find shelters and service organizations in your area here.
Get Your Stuff Move-Ready
Store Belongings While You Search for a New Place
If you’re moving in with friends or family, see if you can use their home’s garage or attic or their apartment’s storage unit, if it has one.
If not, lease a self-storage unit. Many storage facilities offer month-to-month leases, and some will let you rent by the week. You’ll want a facility that offers 24-hour access and strong security measures. (The storage unit isn’t responsible if your belongings are stolen.)
Storage units also sell moving boxes (as do many hardware stores), but you can often get boxes for free at your local grocery store. You can also post online or ask neighbors and friends if they know of anyone who recently moved and needs to get rid of their boxes and bubble wrap.
Donate What You Can Before You Move
With only a few days until you have to move, you won’t have much time for packing. To lighten your moving load, consider giving away some items.
Post stuff you don’t want to take with you on Craigslist, Freecycle, or Facebook. Or see if your neighbors would like anything. Lastly, you can drop off donations to your local thrift store.
Schedule Help WIth Moving
Moving heavy furniture by yourself can be a challenge, so if you don’t have family members who can help and you can afford it, hire professional movers. Before booking, ask for a quote in writing and what discounts they offer. Some have special pricing for seniors or paying in cash or having a membership like AAA. Movers may also offer special coupons or discounts if you move mid-week or during off-peak season.
Alternatively, you can ask your neighbors, local senior center, or nearby churches if they know of some strong helpers within your community who will volunteer to move your stuff. Self-storage unit facilities and stores like The Home Depot usually offer van or truck rentals by the day.
Find Local Eviction Assistance
Enter your information to discover eviction assistance programs and financial support in your area.