Got a Letter from Your Landlord?
Getting a letter from your landlord can be stressful. Especially when it’s full of legal-sounding words and you’re not totally sure what they mean.
First things first: don’t ignore it.
So, What Kind of Notice Is It?
Landlords can send all kinds of letters and notices, depending on what’s going on. You might receive:
An eviction or termination notice
A notice saying you owe rent
A notice asking you to fix a serious problem
A notice telling you to move out
Housing Court papers or a summons
A letter from your landlord’s lawyer
A notice about a change to your lease
And even if you read it and think, “Wait…that can’t be right,” don’t toss it aside. The first step is understanding what, if anything, you need to do next.
Keep the Paperwork
Hold onto the notice, the envelope it came in, and any other papers that came with it. Take a photo or save a copy, too.
If the notice includes a deadline or court date, put it somewhere you’ll actually remember.
And if you’re asked to sign something you don’t understand? Pause before you put pen to paper, and talk to a lawyer.
A Notice Doesn’t Automatically Mean “Pack Your Bags”
Words like “eviction,” “termination,” or “vacate” can sound pretty intimidating. But receiving a notice doesn’t necessarily mean you need to move out immediately.
What happens next depends on the type of notice and your situation. That’s where having a lawyer friend can come in handy. Before you make any big moves, get legal advice and make sure you understand your options.
Cate Has You Covered
If a landlord sends you a notice, you don’t have to stare at it wondering what all that fine print means. A subscription to Cate can help you understand the papers you received, what they mean, and what your next steps may be - at no extra cost.
Got a landlord letter? Send it to Cate. The sooner you ask for help, the more time you may have to understand your options.