Gisele González is one of the many Texans struggling to pay rent during the pandemic. “Overwhelmed,” said Gonzalez. “Stressed. My level of anxiety. I can’t take the stress anymore right now.”
González says her husband lost his job in the pandemic. Because of this, they have received two eviction notices.
Thanks to the family, they have not had to leave the Southeast Houston community. “Now we are indebted to a couple of family members, but grateful to them, we are still here,” said González.
If you’re having trouble paying rent, the Houston Apartment Association tells you to speak to your landlord. If you make an agreement, get it in writing.
Experts said that while the courts closed in March due to the pandemic, they reopened and heard eviction cases.
From the moment someone receives the notice, until they are forced to leave, it could take about a month. “Even if you received an eviction notice, continue to contact your landlord and see if anything can be resolved,” said Howard Bookstaff, general counsel for the Houston Apartment Association.
This month is important for those who live in public housing. A federal package that blocks evictions of those residents was approved in March.
However, on July 25, that ends. Which means that residents of public housing could face eviction in a few weeks.
“The owners love you, but you have to communicate,” said Bookstaff. “You have to accept something to give the landlord hope that there will be a rent in the future.”
The Houston Apartment Association also said that financial aid is available, which can be found on its website. “Actually, new shows are done every day,” said Bookstaff. “I’d keep looking for him. Don’t be discouraged.”
González says his July rental is set. As for August, she is not sure what will happen.
“We will have to solve something,” said González. “I’m not sure.”
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