Hi,
I fell behind on my rent 4 months ago after losing my job. I've lived in the apartment for 3 years and have always paid on time, or if I've had to pay late, I've worked out a schedule to the landlord's satisfaction.
This time they wanted me to work out a payment schedule, but I couldn't commit to one because there is no income coming in. Nevertheless, I made sure to give them at least a few hundred each week - but the amount always varied. I tried.
(Meanwhile, my lease expired 2 months ago but we have not renewed the lease - I was told to give 30 days notice when I was leaving)
I didn't make a payment for 3 weeks because there was absolutely nothing left and I knew they were irritated and said that they were thinking of taking legal action. I borrowed a few hundred dollars from someone and asked the landlord if this will stop them from filing papers. They said yes, so I gave them the money.
A few days later, I got a job and my first paycheck came a few days after that - 2 weeks total from the last payment I made to them. When I now offered a few hundred dollars, they told me they couldn't accept it and didn't explain why.
The next day, I went to take out the trash and saw a notice of petition for holdover taped to my door. I'm very confused. I assumed they would try to sue me for non-payment, but I am stunned that they went with holdover. What steps can I take now to protect my situation? I know that I eventually have to move, but I am pregnant and just started a new job - I won't be able to save enough in time to get me out of here if they win a 72 hour eviction.
Thank you so much.