Time has run out for many as the state's temporary ban on evictions has been lifted and built up rent and mortgage payments are coming due.
In a webinar providing advice for tenants and landlords facing this predicament, experts say it's best to at least attempt to work out a payment plan rather than taking it to court.
"When a case ends up in court, someone goes home very unhappy and if two parties can resolve their problem without that in a way that both find acceptable, they will be a lot happier than if they go to court and force a judge to make that decision," explained Greg Landry with Acadiana Legal Services.
Landlords are required to give a five day notice before evicting someone, but if you are a tenant facing possible eviction, it's better to contact your landlord before you get that notice.
"In most cases, the landlord has to send a letter to the tenant to say you broke your lease for whatever reason," said Landry. "Then the landlord has to wait five days and then has the right to go to court to file an eviction. Three days after the tenant finds out, they will get a paper from the court and there will be a hearing. 24 hours later if the judge finds in favor of the landlord, the tenant can be removed from the property."
While most can go through with evictions this week, landlords who receive federal assistance or federally backed loans may not proceed with evictions until August.
Again, you should reach out and discuss this with your landlord just to be sure you're on the same page.
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