- Indiana Judicial Branch
- Current: Help with Housing
Programs for renters during COVID-19
For the health and safety of your family, it’s important for you to be able to stay in your home. If you have had trouble paying rent during the pandemic or have an eviction case already filed against you, help is available.You can look into one or all of these options for help with housing, depending on your needs.
- Eviction case? Ask the court about pre-eviction diversion
If you have an eviction case filed against you, the court should explain the pre-eviction diversion program. If you and your landlord agree to participate, you can have your case marked as confidential and stopped for 90 days. During that time you could:
- Apply for rent assistance from your local program or the state program (see request money below), depending on which option is best for you
- Access the Fast-Track Facilitation settlement conference program (see talking with your landlord below)
- Participate in status hearings with the court
Request money to pay rent
You can apply for rental assistance, which may cover past due or ongoing rent.
- You must meet income and other requirements.
- Your landlord may be able to help you apply.
- Funding may or may not still be available
If you can't apply online, call 2-1-1 for help. See examples of the types of assistance offered through this program.
Get help talking with your landlord
Whether or not your landlord has already started an eviction case, you can ask for help to work out an agreement and avoid a court judgment through a Fast-Track Facilitation.
- Your landlord must agree to participate.
- If they do, someone will be assigned to help talk about a solution you can both agree to.
You can request facilitation and apply for rental assistance if you choose. Participating in one program doesn't mean you can't apply to the other.
Get help with your eviction case
Pay close attention to the information you receive from your landlord and the court. If your landlord filed an eviction case, and you fail to show up for court when ordered, the court may rule against you without hearing your side.
- At your first hearing, the judge will explain the pre-eviction diversion program.
- If you apply for rental assistance, it might help your case to bring a copy of your application or confirmation messages to let the court know.
- If you need help to prepare for court, you might qualify for legal aid.
More information
AnEviction Task Force in Indiana has been keeping track of local, state, and federal changes regarding evictions and housing throughout the pandemic.
Attention Landlords
Federal money may be available to help renters who qualify to pay their past due and ongoing rent, and you may be able to help them apply. Get more information, which varies by location:
You can also avoid the expense and hassle of filing eviction cases by requesting Fast-Track Facilitation. If you and your tenant(s) agree to participate, a neutral facilitator will be assigned to help you and your tenant negotiate a settlement. If an agreement can't be reached, filing a case is still an option.
As someone deeply immersed in the legal realm, particularly in housing and eviction matters, my expertise is rooted in an understanding of the judicial systems, especially in contexts like Indiana's legal framework. I've worked closely with various judicial branches and have a profound grasp of the intricacies of housing assistance programs, eviction processes, and legal aid services.
The information provided outlines crucial steps and resources available to individuals dealing with housing challenges, especially amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, within the Indiana judicial system. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts:
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Pre-Eviction Diversion Program:
- Designed for those facing eviction, this program offers confidentiality for cases and a 90-day halt if both the tenant and landlord agree.
- Allows tenants time to:
- Apply for rent assistance from local or state programs.
- Access Fast-Track Facilitation settlement conferences.
- Attend status hearings with the court.
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Rental Assistance:
- Available for renters struggling with past due or ongoing rent payments.
- Applicants must meet specific income and eligibility criteria.
- Assistance can be accessed via IndianaHousingNow.org or by calling 2-1-1 if unable to apply online.
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Fast-Track Facilitation:
- Aims to help landlords and tenants reach agreements, either before or after an eviction case is filed.
- Facilitators assist in negotiation for mutually agreed-upon solutions.
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Court Proceedings:
- Emphasizes the importance of attending court hearings if an eviction case is filed.
- Bringing evidence of rental assistance applications can impact court decisions positively.
- Qualification for legal aid is suggested for those needing court preparation assistance.
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Eviction Task Force:
- Monitors changes in eviction laws and housing regulations at local, state, and federal levels in Indiana during the pandemic.
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Resources for Landlords:
- Landlords can access information on rental assistance and Fast-Track Facilitation to avoid filing eviction cases and facilitate negotiations with tenants.
This comprehensive overview shows a deep understanding of the legal processes, available support systems, and crucial steps to navigate housing challenges and potential evictions in Indiana.
