Facing eviction.HELP!

Question

I live in New Jersey and am currently facing eviction. I paid July's base rent but did not pay heating charges accrued between January and April of this year. These heating charges are considered additional rent. The problem is my apt complex is so backed up I didn't get billed for Jan- Feb until June and just now got my heating charges for Mar-Apr and now want to evict me! I haven't paid Aug rent yet either because I am currently on a disability leave from work but haven't collected disability yet. The process is so slow. So I have no income right now and it's really stressful. I go to court on the 15th. Do I have a shot with this or am I basically out on the street?

Answer 1

Legally, you're out of luck.  Go talk to the landlord and explain your situation, and offer to negotiate a payment plan that works for both of you.  Remember that eviction is expensive and a big hassle for the landlord, so they're usually very willing to negotiate in order to avoid it.  But  you have to take the initiative and make an offer.

Answer 2

Legally, you probably don't have much leverage. If your lease says you have to pay these heating charges, then you have to pay them.

But any landlord wants a good tenant. Talk to them. Work something out. Hopefully they'll be reasonable.

Good luck.

Answer 3

I hope that they will work with you- maybe if you talk to them it will help. But if it doesn't, most states offer emergency assistance through the state. Try this website- http://www.hud.gov/local/nj/library/disa...

There is a program in New Jersey for help with utilities-

New Jersey Department of Human Services Energy Assistance Programs - financial assistance programs for low-income residents to help pay winter heating bills.  Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) - To find out if your're eligible for this assistance, or if you are in an emergency heating situation, call [phone]  

  For information on assistance from the Universal Service Fund (USF), call [phone]

Typically if you are working with the state- the landlord tends to be more helpful too. Also, you can also check with the attorney general's office to see if they can help you. But I would start with the state assitance office to see what they can do. Good Luck!

  

Answer 4

Housing court in NJ is stacked in favor of the tenant. If you present all the arguments logically, bring any backup with you (disability claims etc), the court will work with you to keep your apartment. you will be responsible for all acrued rent and heating charges. You need to show the court that you will be able to repay these charges.

Good luck.