If you don’t have a lawyer yet, you can file an answer on your own. You have the right to file a written answer explaining to the court why you should not be evicted. Does the court offer mediation or provide referrals to housing counselors?.How long do I have to file an answer from the date I received the summons? I understand that I have the right to file a written answer explaining to the court why I should not be evicted.You can call the court clerk and ask these questions about your case: Learn about emergency rental assistance in your area. You can apply to state or local organizations for federal money to cover rent, utilities, and other housing costs. The court can also order a pause on its own, without a request. If you are taken to court for an eviction, you and your dependents can pause the eviction for up to 90 days upon request. Servicemembers also have the right to pause a court eviction. If your rent is less than $4,214.28 a month (as of 2022), you and your dependents can’t be evicted from a residential home during your military service, and your property can’t be seized as payment of rent, unless there is a court order against you. If you’re a servicemember, talk with your local Legal Assistance Office. Too many renters give up before they have a chance to go to court.
