Can I Be Sued for Non-Payment of Rent if I Was Denied a Certain County CARES Act Assistance in Akron, Ohio?

Question from Chad, Can I Be Sued for Non-Payment of Rent if I Was Denied a Certain County CARES Act Assistance in Akron, Ohio?

Answer from AI:

Yes, you can be sued for non-payment of rent even if you were denied assistance from a program like the CARES Act. The CARES Act was a federal law passed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which provided various forms of financial assistance, including some rental assistance. However, the responsibility to pay rent remains with the tenant, regardless of whether they receive assistance.

Legal Obligations and the CARES Act

Under most rental agreements, tenants are legally obligated to pay rent. If a tenant fails to pay rent, the landlord can typically begin eviction proceedings or sue for the unpaid rent. The CARES Act did provide a temporary moratorium on evictions for non-payment of rent, but this has since expired.

What Happens If You Can’t Pay Rent?

If you can’t pay rent, it’s important to communicate with your landlord as soon as possible. You may be able to work out a payment plan or other arrangement. If you can’t reach an agreement and you don’t pay your rent, your landlord may choose to sue you for the unpaid rent.

What to Do If You’re Sued for Unpaid Rent

If you’re sued for unpaid rent, you should consider seeking legal advice. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and options. You may have defenses available to you, such as if your landlord didn’t maintain the property in a habitable condition.

Resources for Tenants

There are resources available to help tenants who are struggling to pay rent. For example, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides information about rental assistance programs. Additionally, some states and local governments have their own rental assistance programs.

Please note: This information is intended to provide a general understanding of the law. It is not intended to provide legal advice. You should consult with a lawyer for advice about your specific situation.

• Communicate with your landlord: If you’re unable to pay rent, communicate with your landlord as soon as possible. They may be willing to work out a payment plan or other arrangement.
• Seek legal advice: If you’re sued for unpaid rent, consider seeking legal advice. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and options.
• Explore resources: There are resources available to help tenants who are struggling to pay rent. Check with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and your local government for information about rental assistance programs.