If you received an eviction notice today
Do not move out immediately. In most states, a notice is not a court order. You likely have 30–60 days minimum before you can be legally removed. Jump to
the eviction notice guide below → Emergency Rental Assistance
Actively Being CutEmergency rental assistance programs help households that cannot pay rent or utilities due to financial hardship. During COVID, Congress funded over $45 billion in ERA programs. Most of those funds have been spent. Current emergency assistance is limited and varies significantly by state and county.
Who qualifies
Generally: income at or below 80% area median income (AMI), financial hardship, and risk of housing instability. Some programs require an eviction notice.
How to apply
Contact your local community action agency, 211, or your county/city housing authority. Programs are administered locally and vary widely.
Section 8 / Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV)
Actively Being CutHousing Choice Vouchers subsidize rent in private housing. Voucher holders pay 30% of their income; the voucher covers the rest up to a local payment standard. Waitlists are years long in most cities.HUD's budget has been cut by 15% — proposals would eliminate ~800,000 vouchers.
Who qualifies
Income at or below 50% of area median income. Priority given to extremely low-income households (30% AMI), veterans, people with disabilities, and homeless individuals.
How to apply
Apply through your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) when the waitlist is open. Find your PHA at hud.gov/topics/housing_choice_voucher_program_section_8. Sign up for waitlist open notifications.
Waitlist warning
Most PHAs have multi-year waitlists. Apply to every PHA within driving distance — you can be on multiple lists simultaneously. Keep your contact information updated — being removed for an outdated address is common and devastating.
Public Housing
Actively Being CutPublic housing provides rental housing owned by local housing authorities for eligible low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Rent is set at 30% of adjusted income. Like vouchers, public housing has very long waitlists in most cities and significant funding cuts are proposed.
Who qualifies
Income limits set by HUD — generally 80% of AMI, with priority to the lowest-income households. US citizen or qualifying immigration status required.
How to apply
Apply directly to your local PHA. The same PHA typically manages both Section 8 vouchers and public housing — one application may cover both programs.
State & Local Programs
Varies by stateMany states and cities run their own rental assistance, homelessness prevention, and eviction diversion programs. These can move faster than federal programs. Sources: your state housing finance agency, local community action agencies, legal aid organizations, and 211.
If you received an eviction notice
This is not a court order. You have rights and options. Here is exactly what to do.
1
Do not move out and do not ignore it
An eviction notice is a required first step — it is not a court order. Your landlord cannot remove you, change your locks, or remove your belongings without a court order. Moving out voluntarily may waive your rights.
2
Read the notice carefully — identify the type
Common types: Pay or Quit (you owe rent — pay within X days or face eviction); Cure or Quit (you violated a lease term — fix it or face eviction); Unconditional Quit (leave regardless — usually for serious violations). The notice type determines your options.
3
Contact a tenant legal aid organization immediately
Most eviction legal aid is free. Call 211 or visit lawhelp.org to find housing legal aid in your state. Many cities have eviction diversion programs that require or incentivize mediation before court. Having legal representation dramatically changes outcomes.
4
Apply for emergency rental assistance immediately
Even if you think it is too late. Some programs can pay arrears (back rent) and current rent. A landlord may withdraw an eviction filing if rent is paid. Contact 211 and your local community action agency the same day.
5
If a court summons arrives — respond and appear
Failing to appear at your eviction hearing will result in automatic judgment against you. If you receive a court summons, respond in writing if required and appear on your hearing date. Bring documentation: proof of payments, lease agreement, and any communication with your landlord. Courts often provide help desks for unrepresented tenants.
6
Know your defenses
Common legal defenses to eviction: landlord did not follow proper notice procedures; landlord failed to maintain habitable conditions (retaliation defense); eviction is in retaliation for complaining about conditions; discriminatory eviction; landlord accepted partial rent payment. An attorney can identify defenses you may not know you have.
7
After a court judgment — you still have time
Even after an eviction judgment, you typically have additional days (sometimes weeks) before a marshal or sheriff executes the eviction. Use this time to secure housing and, if possible, appeal. Many jurisdictions require a separate court order before physical removal.
Housing legal aid resources
lawhelp.org — Free legal aid by state, searchable by housing issues
211.org — Emergency shelter, rental assistance, and services
nlihc.org — National Low Income Housing Coalition — resources and advocacy
tenantprotections.org — Know your rights by state
juststx.org, legalaidnyc.org, etc. — Most major cities have free tenant legal clinics
Stay informed
Get updates when housing assistance programs changes.
We'll alert you when this program is cut, enrollment opens or closes, or new rules take effect in your state.
Not legal advice. Program rules, income limits, and eligibility requirements change frequently — always verify current rules at the official program website or with a licensed attorney or benefits counselor before making decisions. State programs may differ from federal guidelines. Links to external resources are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement.