Do not ignore court papers. Missing a response deadline or hearing usually means losing by default. An assistance application usually doesn’t stop an eviction case.
Match the issue to the resource
| Your issue | Useful first contact | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Eviction notice or lawsuit | Local legal aid, court self-help center, emergency rent programs | Read |
| Landlord locked you out or cut utilities | Police non-emergency line, legal aid, emergency court order | Read |
| Repairs not being made | Written request, code enforcement, housing agency inspection | Read |
| Security deposit not returned | Demand letter, small claims court | Read |
| Discrimination | HUD, state or local fair housing agency, fair housing organization | Read |
| Voucher refused | State or local civil rights agency where source of income is protected | Read |
| Disability accommodation or modification | Written request; HUD or state agency if denied | Read |
| Domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking | Housing provider (VAWA), DV advocate, legal aid | Read |
| Retaliation after a complaint | Legal aid; raise as a defense | Read |
| Rent increase | Check notice rules and local caps; rent board | Read |
| Landlord entering without notice | Written objection, legal aid | Read |
| Building in foreclosure | Federal PTFA protections; legal aid | Read |
| Eviction or screening record errors | Screening company dispute, sealing request | Read |
| Mold, lead, pests | Written notice, health department, code enforcement | Read |
| Need to leave early | Check military, DV, and habitability exceptions | Read |
| Problem in subsidized housing | Housing agency hearing or grievance; HUD field office | Read |
Rights that apply almost everywhere
- Court process for eviction. Lockouts, removing belongings, and utility shutoffs to force you out are illegal in nearly every state.
- A habitable home. Heat, water, safe electrical and plumbing, and a weatherproof structure.
- Fair housing. No discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability—plus more classes under many state and local laws.
- Deposit return. Every state sets a deadline for returning deposits or itemizing deductions.
- Protection from retaliation in most states for requesting repairs or reporting violations.
Keep an evidence file
Save your lease, payment records, notices, inspection reports, photos, messages, and a dated log of conversations. Ask for important decisions in writing. These records help a counselor, attorney, or judge understand what happened quickly.
Where to get free help
- Legal aid (LSC-funded and independent programs)
- Right-to-counsel programs in about 28 cities, counties, and states
- Tenant unions and organizing groups
- Fair housing organizations for discrimination
- Court self-help centers for forms and procedures
- State attorney general tenant guides and consumer complaints