I’m a tenant. The eviction moratorium has ended and I cannot pay my rent. What can I do? 

 

The national eviction moratorium ends on July 31, 2021. If you are not up to date on your rental payments, the end of the eviction moratorium may be a source of enormous stress. But don’t panic –– there are resources that can help you avoid eviction.

 

1. Talk to your landlord. If you applied for rent assistance, let them know where your application stands. If you’re able to make small payments, offer a repayment plan. Your landlord may be willing to work with you to avoid the hassle of eviction.
2. If you have not applied for rent assistance, do so ASAP! If you experienced a loss of income in the last six months or a financial hardship related to the public health crisis, you may be eligible for rent relief. If you live in Milwaukee or Waukesha County, you can apply for rent assistance from Community Advocates. If you live in the City of Milwaukee, you can apply for rent assistance from the Social Development Commission. Your landlord will receive a notification after you complete your application, however, we recommend you still let your landlord know right away that you applied.
3. Get support through mediation. A professional mediator from Mediate Wisconsin can work with you and your landlord as a neutral third-party to find an alternative solution to eviction. Mediation can help you keep an eviction off your record.
4. Get legal advice. You may want legal support from the Legal Aid Society or from Legal Action of Wisconsin. Their experienced eviction defense teams can help you fight an eviction or reach an agreement with your landlord that doesn’t involve eviction. Reach out at any point – they may provide advice or a letter pre-filing, or if needed, in-court representation.