Do I have to pay rent during the COVID-19 state of emergency?

Yes. Pay your rent like you normally do and get a receipt.

If you cannot pay rent, talk to your landlord right away. Tell your landlord why you cannot make rent. Keep any papers you have that show reasons you cannot make rent. For example, if you got a letter or an email about losing your job or getting your hours cut.

If you give your landlord notice and proof that you missed the payment because of a “financial impact of COVID-19” like losing your job or not being able to work because you were sick with COVID-19 they:

• cannot charge you a late fee, or
• report your non-payment to a credit bureau.

You must give your landlord the proof within 30 days of missing a rent payment.  Use this notice and certification form. Or you can write your own letter.  

Even if you cannot pay rent, your landlord cannot make you move out. No one can force you from your home.  Your landlord is not allowed to:

• terminate your tenancy,
• give you a Notice to Quit,
• start an eviction case against you, or
• move you out of your apartment for non-payment of rent

until:

• October 17, 2020.

If your landlord tries to get you to move out:

• Call Legal Aid right away. 
• Learn more about illegal evictions and what you can do.

If you need help paying your rent see Where can I get help paying my rent?