We are living in incredible times. Landlords and tenants are both under pressure to meet obligations relating to their residences and properties. Banks expect to be paid their mortgage from the owner; landlords expect tenants to pay their rent. Tenants expect landlords to maintain the properties' furnishings, equipment, and basic utilities. That is all obvious; the devil is in the details.
As tenants, you do have specific rights and obligations; handling the financial crisis upon us must follow what is legal and just. Renterbuddy.org is on your side and will share information which helps you keep a roof over your head and fairness in coping with the current crisis.
You will need good records if trouble comes up and you want help from a lawyer. See the list below. Some items may or may not apply to your situation - use what applies. Keep original receipts and make copies; keep them in a safe place!
Tenants, if you are getting behind on rent, start thinking about getting legal help and work out what you might need to do if you are served an eviction notice. Get your records together. Do what you can to improve your own situation. Deal with most important things first, lesser things later. If you can make a deal to delay your rent and stay in your residence, it may be best. But know the law where you are - if you make a separate deal with the landlord, it may change what protections you have if the situation goes to court or to eviction.
In most places, landlords cannot simply show up at your door and throw you out. Nor can landlords show up and cut off your utilities - electricity, water, and so forth. Your property cannot be taken and thrown to the street in most places. Usually, the landlord must follow a legal process you and your posessions are required to leave the rental property.
Get a legal representative to help you! See the articles on this site which will have some links to lawyers and organizations which can help.