There are many ways a person can fall behind on their rent. They may be dealing with medical bills, an injury that prevents them from working, or job loss. The further behind a person falls behind, the harder it can be to get caught up.
There are ways to deal with back rent. However, it’s important to discuss your options with an experienced attorney.
Dealing with the threat of eviction
Once you fall behind in your rent, you could face eviction proceedings from your landlord. Even if you move, you could also face harassing calls from collectors, or even a lawsuit and judgment that could result in garnishment of your wages and your bank account.
Filing bankruptcy will put an immediate end to an eviction proceeding, calls from bill collectors, and garnishments. It can also help you deal with the debt you owe.
Exploring your options
If you do not plan to say in the apartment or home, you can discharge the back rent by filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Discharging the debt means you no longer have to pay it. You can also discharge other types of debt such as credit card debt, medical bills and payday loans.
If you want to stay in the apartment or home, you can file Chapter 13 bankruptcy. In this scenario, your unpaid rent would go into your payment plan to be paid off over a three-to-five year period.
The Reed Law Firm in Columbia offers a free initial consultation to discuss back rent and bankruptcy.