 TITLE: Need Help Paying Rent? Here’s What to Do CONTENT: Understand the Eviction Process\n-------------------------------\nIf you're unable to pay rent and aren't covered by an eviction ban, your landlord may begin the eviction process once you're behind on rent. However, that doesn't necessarily mean you have to leave the home right away.\nLegally, the landlord may need to give you a written notice and get a court order from a judge. Local and state laws can impact the process, which could take a couple of weeks to a few months—and you may have the right to stay in the home until the process is complete.\nIf you are evicted, landlords may be able to send your account to collections and sue you to get a judgment, allowing them to garnish your wages or bank account. An eviction can also become part of your rental history, making it difficult to rent again in the future. However, evictions aren't part of your credit history, and even judgments no longer appear in credit reports or impact credit scores. END