How to get help with rent or an eviction notice

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Updated April 17th, 2023 to reflect new protections from House Bill 2001

Happy family with two kids stands outside their apartment.On this page:

The eviction process and your rights

  • Before a landlord can file for eviction, they must issue a termination notice to the tenant. This notice is not an actual eviction order.
    • Tenants have 10 days to pay rent before their landlord can take them to court. 
  • If the tenant does not pay within 10 days, their landlord can then file a court case for nonpayment.
  • Only a judge can issue an official eviction order to force a tenant out of a rental unit. 

If you have a 10-day termination notice from your landlord

  • Call 211.
    • 211 may be able to connect you to rapid response rent assistance, although funds are limited and are not guaranteed.
    • 211 can also help connect you with legal services providers.

If you have received a notice with a court date

  1. You should show up for your court date no matter what. If you do not show up to court, your landlord will automatically be granted an eviction order from the judge.
  2. Seek legal assistance immediately. 
    • The Eviction Defense Project has attorneys who may be able to give advice or represent you in court for free. To reach the Eviction Defense Project: 

More information about your rights as a tenant