TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Affordable housing was an issue long before this pandemic.
The average American needs to make almost $20 an hour to afford a modest one-bedroom apartment.
For now, people living in Florida won't be evicted because they can't pay rent, but the eviction moratorium expires on August 1.
Thursday at 6 p.m., Legal Services of North Florida is hosting a landlord-tenant law clinic.
Their goal is to clear up some common misconceptions when it comes to paying rent during this pandemic.
"Your rent is still due,” said Colleen Mullen, an attorney with LSNF. “I know for a lot of people they're not making as much as they were before. Maybe they're only getting unemployment and that's not enough to pay their bills. You can definitely try and negotiate with your landlord. For most landlords, they'll take something rather than get nothing."
If you're struggling to pay rent this clinic will highlight some of the resources available.
"2-1-1 of the Big Bend is an organization that is helping people,” said Mullen. “They are directing people either to homeless shelters or they do have access to companies that have some money to help pay rent, but not a lot. But if you're only behind maybe a month that can definitely help you."
This free clinic isn't just for tenants. Mullen says landlords who are struggling to pay their mortgage should look into temporary forbearances.
For more information about Legal Services of North Florida and the clinic click here.
The clinic will be available to watch online by clicking here.
The clinic will be available by phone, using (312) 626-6799.
The clinic will also be available as a Webinar using ID number 818 1857 3798.
