If you cannot make rent payments because of the COVID-19 outbreak, contact your landlord or property management company as soon as you realize you may not be able to pay all or any portion of your rent on time.
APPLY FOR EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE
REQUEST RENT RELIEF
Rent relief can come in several forms, depending on your circumstances and your landlord. Whatever terms you negotiate, put them in writing.
- DEFERRAL: An agreement to defer all or a portion of rent for a defined period — such as 60, 90 or 120 days. The deferred rent would then be repaid later.
- ABATEMENT: An agreement to skip rent payments for a set time. After the abatement period, rent would recommence.
- REDUCTION: An agreement to reduce rent for a short time to get through the crisis.
Additional rental assistance may also be available through local agencies. Contact your local government agency to find out if assistance is available in your area.
PREVENT EVICTION
Your landlord must get a court order to evict you, and it is illegal for your landlord to lock you out, dispose of your belongings or cut off your utilities without going through the court eviction process.
Federal law prevents evictions until July 25, 2020, for certain rentals covered by the CARES Act. If you live in a multifamily building or single-family home that has a federally backed mortgage, late fees are prohibited.
Eviction courts have been suspended in Louisiana until at least April 30, 2020.
If you have been served with legal papers regarding eviction, contact an attorney for assistance. For more information on how to find an attorney and a list of legal services offices in Louisiana, visit Louisianalawhelp.org.
IF YOU BECOME ILL OR MUST QUARANTINE
Your landlord cannot evict you or ask you to leave your apartment for having COVID-19 or being under home quarantine. Being under isolation or quarantine in a hospital or other facility does not change your tenancy, and your home remains your primary residence.
