If you’re facing eviction, please know that you are not alone. On average, 2.7 million households received eviction notices per year between 2000-2018. This does not even factor in all of the housing challenges that families have faced due to the COVID crisis and after. Being pregnant and concerned about a looming eviction is a lot to process, so here are some tips and resources to empower you to face this challenge head on.

You Are Behind on Rent and Fear Eviction

There is a difference between a landlord saying they will evict you and an actual eviction notice. There are a few steps you can take if you fear being evicted, but have not been formally evicted yet. First, know that as a renter you have rights. If you truly are behind on rent, or the landlord has a valid reason to evict you, here are some steps you can take:

Try googling “Local Emergency Rental Assistance.”

Talk to your landlord about making a payment arrangement. Find out what it will take for you to stay in your home.

Learn about your local laws and protections as a tenant. You need to research your rights and make sure your landlord is not violating them.

You Received an Eviction Notice, Now What?

An eviction notice is a document that tells the tenant what about the lease or rental agreement is not being followed. Usually, this is physically served to you by a process server, but in some states it can be mailed through certified mail or be left at the property on your front door.

If you have received an eviction notice, the first thing you should do is identify why you are being evicted. Cornell’s Legal Information Institute summarizes three main reasons a tenant can be lawfully evicted: “First, and most frequently, for not paying rent. Second, for other, non-trivial violations of lease agreements. Finally, landlords may evict tenants whose lease expired.” While eviction reasons can vary from state to state, other common reasons include: health and safety violations (e.g. smoking in non-smoking areas), having more people in the residence than your lease allows, or conducting illegal activity.

It is important to remember that as long as your landlord has probable cause to evict, a COVID related situation does not prevent them from evicting. During the height of the COVID pandemic, there was a stop to evictions, but in most states that stop is no longer active.

Regardless of the reason, you will want to act quickly if your landlord files an eviction and serves you with a written eviction notice. Your notice will tell you when an “answer” is due. It is important to answer the notice before the deadline to try to challenge the eviction and possibly appeal it.

We would love to help you know your exact next steps, but eviction processes vary by county and state. You need to arm yourself with information about your local eviction process.

If you have been served an eviction notice:

• Contact local legal aid for support.You may be eligible for free legal services. Legal aid varies from state to state, but you can google “free legal assistance” in your area or ask the clerk of the court about local legal assistance.
• File a response with the court.
• Find an attorney who understands eviction law in your state to help you to more effectively fight an eviction.
• Talk to your landlord.
• See if they can work with you and set up a payment plan if you are behind on rent.
• Don’t ignore the notice.
• If you do not file a response or appear in court, the court will likely issue a judgment against you, which means that the eviction will move forward. You may owe payment to your landlord for the court fees.

Resources When You Are Facing Eviction

If you are pregnant and facing an eviction, these resources can help you stay in your current living situation or move out and have housing security.

• Emergency Rental Assistance
• Legal Aid
• Family and Friends
• Maternity Homes

Self-Care

Being evicted and/or the time leading up to an eviction can be extremely challenging. It is important that you take care of yourself. Wherever you are in your pregnancy, make sure you prioritize your physical and mental well-being.

Here are some tips to take care of your mental health during a housing crisis:

• Practice mindfulness.
• Seek out your family and friends for support.
• Pursue coaching or counseling.

You Are Strong Enough to Get Through This

Pregnancy and finding a new home can be two of the most stressful life events. If you are navigating both, we understand why you might be scared. Remember there is help for you and you are strong enough to navigate the resources you need to shelter yourself and your growing family.