Some viewers are confused because they were not able to pay rent on April 1 because of the coronavirus, but they received an eviction notice even after state and local leaders suspended evictions for the time being.
Keri Cooper, executive director of the Tulsa Apartment Asssociation, said, “No eviction cases are going to be heard, but they are still accepting the filing. So, what apartment owners can do is go ahead and start the process of the eviction filing. They have to give that notice in order for them to be able to file an eviction in the court. "
As of now, Oklahoma courts will not re-open until May 15. And with a backlog of cases, eviction hearings will likely get pushed back at least until June. Cooper explained, “That doesn't mean that (renters) just stop paying rent all together or stop looking for ways to try and pay their rent, but it does mean that (renters) cannot be removed from their apartment until there is a court order to do so."
If you receive an eviction notice, Cooper suggests you first write a letter to the landlord and/or property management company explaining your situation and requesting a payment plan and waived late fees. If you lost your job due to COVID-19, get a letter from your employer to send to the landlord and/or property management company as well.
An agreement or resolution could possibly be reached before your court date. However, if you do have to appear before a judge, call 211 for help with mediation.
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