The State of Connecticut has put a temporary freeze on evictions until August 22, 2020. Despite these protections, many landlords have begun threatening eviction to those who cannot pay rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s what you can do if your landlord has communicated with you regarding eviction come August:
1. If you cannot pay rent due to COVID-19 related unemployment, you can apply for Connecticut’s COVID-19 Rental Assistance program, TRHAP (Temporary Rental Housing Assistance Program.). Through this program, eligible households can get a maximum of $4,000 in rental assistance for rent owed over a one-year period beginning March 1, 2020. For more information on TRHAP and what information you will need to apply, visit the Connecticut Fair Housing Center website at https://www.ctfairhousing.org/
2. It seems simple, but many tenants disregard it: TALK TO YOUR LANDLORD OR MANAGEMENT COMPANY. Regardless of your current financial situation, you must come up with a plan to pay your landlord for any missed rent. Speak to your landlord about setting up a payment plan and be realistic with them regarding your ability to pay. Many landlords and/or management companies will work with you, so they need not spend the time and energy beginning the eviction process.
Getting threatened with an eviction during an already stressful time is deeply upsetting. However, if you take a deep breath and get proactive, we guarantee you will feel much less overwhelmed and more in control.
By Alison J. Toumekian, Esq., Associate at Prince Law Group
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