Will Filing Bankruptcy Stop Eviction?

Are you struggling with an eviction notice and don’t know where to turn?

You may be wondering if filing for bankruptcy will stop your eviction. It’s important to understand the effects of bankruptcy on eviction proceedings so that you can make the best decision for your situation.

Let’s take a look at how filing for bankruptcy may help with evictions.

The Automatic Stay

When a person files for bankruptcy, the court issues an “automatic stay.” This is a court order prohibiting creditors from taking any action against the filer while the case is processed.

It provides several protections from creditors, including stopping landlords from evicting tenants. It also prevents creditors from harassing debtors through collection calls or letters. The automatic stay applies to all pending or threatened actions by creditors, including eviction proceedings that have already been filed in court.

Under certain circumstances, however, the landlord can ask the court to lift the stay and proceed with the eviction.

For this to happen, they must prove that they will suffer irreparable harm if the stay remains in place. The landlord must show that their rights outweigh those of the tenant. If granted, this would allow the landlord to continue with their efforts to evict you once again.

Filing Bankruptcy Helps With Rent Arrears

In addition to potentially stopping an eviction, filing for bankruptcy can also help with rent arrears. This occurs when you are behind on your payments due to financial hardship such as job loss or medical bills.

When you file for bankruptcy, it erases many of your unsecured debts including past-due rent payments. This means that when you receive your discharge after completing your repayment plan or the chapter 7 liquidation process, those past-due rent payments are no longer owed and won’t show up on your credit report either.

Understanding Your Rights

Depending on where you live, there may be different laws that govern the process of eviction. It is important to review the applicable state and local laws. This way you’ll know what specific actions a landlord is allowed or not allowed to take. Knowing the law can help protect you from any unfair or illegal practices by landlords.

It is also important for you to understand the terms of your lease agreement. Reviewing your lease agreement helps clarify any misunderstandings about rent payments or other obligations that could result in an eviction notice.

Knowing your rights and reviewing your lease agreement can provide a basis for negotiating with a landlord if needed, which could prevent an eviction from happening altogether.

If you have received an eviction notice, you need to take action immediately. Depending on the situation, there are several options available such as applying for public assistance programs or filing an appeal with a court of law if necessary.

Contact a Bankruptcy Attorney

Filing bankruptcy can help stop eviction proceedings and provide relief from past-due rent payments if you are facing financial hardship.

If you are considering filing for bankruptcy, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney who can help guide you through this difficult process and ensure that all of your legal rights are protected every step of the way. An experienced attorney will be able to evaluate your situation and advise you on whether or not filing for bankruptcy is right for you based on your circumstances.

For more information, contact the Law Offices of Robert M. Geller at 813-254-5696 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney.