Evictions & Rental Assistance
If you are a renter, there has been confusion about what happens if you can't pay rent. Evictions have resumed in Louisiana for most renters as the original eviction moratorium under the federal CARES Act of 2020 has now mostly expired. However, some CARES Act protections remain - Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) has an explainer.
Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a ban on evictions that expired on July 31, 2021 and then a second ban that expired on October 3, 2021. However, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down this ban. There is no ban currently in effect from the CDC or from state (Louisiana) government.
SLLS also prepared a sample script on how to talk to your landlord if you can't pay rent during this crisis. If you live in a hotel or motel, the situation is a little more complicated but SLLS has an explainer on that as well.
You can find rental assistance program in your area using an online tool from the government or visit Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance for more information.
Foreclosures
If you own your home but are behind on loan payments and fear foreclosure, SLLS also has provided information on what to do in that situation. Your rights may depend on whether your mortgage loan is federally-backed or not.
Utilities
Utility shutoffs throughout Louisiana have also resumed. Speak to your utility company soon if you are unable to pay. You may also qualify for some forms of assistance.
If you are low-income and need legal representation related to a COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic issue, Acadiana Legal Service Corporation and Southeast Louisiana Legal Services provide free legal assistance to those that qualify. Please do not visit legal service providers in person during this time. Due to the virus, all organizations are encouraging people to contact them over the telephone, or by applying for services online.
If you are looking for general legal resources (not specifically about the pandemic) for self-represented litigants and people in court without an attorney, including referrals to free and low-cost legal representation, please check out the Law Library's online guide.
The Law Library hopes you are staying safe and if you need further assistance, don't hesitate to call us at 504-310-2400 (toll-free in Louisiana at 800-820-3038) or email us at library@lasc.org. Though we are not physically in the library, we are still answering reference questions via phone and email quickly!