HCJF: Tenant Problem Solver (Updated)

1

I want to learn my rights!

Are you having problems with your landlord?

This tool will first ask you about yourself and your situation, and then based on your answers will direct you to the information you need. We may contact you with additional information, but rest assured that we will not share any personal details you provide outside of our organization without your express permission.
2
Name* This field is required.Please provide your first and last name.
First Name
Last Name
3
Phone Number* This field is required.Please include your area code.
4
Email* This field is required.
example@example.com
5
What is your Landlord's name?* This field is required.
6
What type of employment do you have?* This field is required.Please indicate what kind of work you do (i.e. line worker, CNA, delivery driver, etc.). If you are unemployed or receive government subsidies, please indicate that below.
7
What is your address?* This field is required.
8
Address
Street Address
Street Address Line 2
City
State / Province
Postal / Zip Code
Please Select
Please Select
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
American Samoa
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The Bahamas
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Fiji
Finland
France
French Polynesia
Gabon
The Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Guam
Guatemala
Guernsey
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana
Haiti
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Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jersey
Jordan
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Kenya
Kiribati
North Korea
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Kosovo
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Latvia
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macau
Macedonia
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Marshall Islands
Martinique
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mayotte
Mexico
Micronesia
Moldova
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Montserrat
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Nagorno-Karabakh
Namibia
Nauru
Nepal
Netherlands
Netherlands Antilles
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Niue
Norfolk Island
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
Northern Mariana
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palau
Palestine
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Pitcairn Islands
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Republic of the Congo
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Saint Barthelemy
Saint Helena
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Martin
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
San Marino
Sao Tome and Principe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
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Slovenia
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Somalia
Somaliland
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South Ossetia
South Sudan
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Sudan
Suriname
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eSwatini
Sweden
Switzerland
Syria
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
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Togo
Tokelau
Tonga
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Vatican City
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Vietnam
British Virgin Islands
Isle of Man
US Virgin Islands
Wallis and Futuna
Western Sahara
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Other
Country
9
Are you interested in tenant organizing?* This field is required.Missouri tenants and workers are coming together to win better housing and working conditions. Would you like to share your contact information Heartland's organizer so that you can consider participating? There is power in numbers!
YESNO
10
I understand this is NOT legal advice and only applies in MISSOURI.

Unless you’ve been specifically told otherwise by Heartland Center staff, our attorneys have NOT reviewed your information or performed an analysis of facts or risks.

Heartland Center is providing the following for informational purposes only.
11
Select ALL the issues you are facing:

The options that follow may not fully describe your current situation. We understand that you may be facing unique concerns. For now, please select all options that apply, or MIGHT apply, to your situation in some way.
12
Please select ALL the issues you are currently experiencing:This form will go through each issue you select one at a time.
I was just served with an eviction lawsuit (I'm facing eviction and have an upcoming court date)
I received a notice to vacate, but have not been served with court documents
The landlord is raising the rent
The conditions in my home are bad (I don't have court)
I have been locked out or the landlord has turned off the utilities.
I need help dealing with an old eviction.
I've moved but my landlord is not returning my deposit.
I'm short on rent, and I do not have court
13
Where was your eviction case filed?Look at the heading on the lawsuit paperwork. Don't have it? You can check by searching your name on CaseNet.
I am a resident of Kansas City, MO
I am in Jackson County, Missouri (your paperwork will say 16th Judicial Circuit)
I am in Missouri and I am outside Jackson County (your paperwork will have a different circuit)
14
If you are facing eviction and live in KCMO...

You have the right to a free attorney!

You may be able to prevent a harmful judgment by negotiating, asserting a defense, or getting rent aid to pay back rent. As a Kansas City, Missouri resident, you have the right to free legal representation regardless of your income, employment status, or anything else. You must fill out this form immediately to be assigned an attorney:

Tenant Intake Form

or call 816-474-5112
15
If you are facing eviction and live in Jackson County, MO...

Seek legal representation!

Tenants represented by lawyers are less likely to be evicted. The following organizations provide FREE representation to tenants in Jackson County, Missouri. Make sure to reach out to them asap to see if they can assist you.

Legal-Aid of Western Missouri: 816-474-6750

UMKC Eviction Hotline: 816-235-2379

Please know: If you do not hear back from an attorney prior to your first court date, you have a right to ask for a continuance so that you can get a lawyer. After the judge has given you another court date, make sure to update the legal organizations you have contacted.

**NOTE: If you are being sued for an expedited eviction, call a legal service provider immediately. These cases move very quickly and you need to seek help promptly.
16
If you are facing eviction and live outside of Jackson County, MO...

Seek legal representation!

Search online for the legal aid organization in your region and contact them (if you are in Clay or Platte County, try Legal Aid of Western Missouri: 816-474-6750).
17
Have you been unsuccessful in getting a lawyer?

Follow this link for our eviction toolkits. You can find out which type of case you have by looking at the header of the court paperwork you were given.

Rent and Possession

Unlawful Detainer
18
Understanding your notice: How many days notice did your landlord give you?If you are renting month-to-month, or you have an active lease, the landlord is usually required to give you written notice to end your tenancy (unless you are behind on rent, then check out our behind on rent toolkit here). To assist you, we need to know how many days you were given.
One month (30 days)
10-day notice
3-day notice
Other
19
One month notice to vacate (30 days)

Here we have our one month notice toolkit. This outlines the options and resources available to you if you have received a 30-day notice from your landlord.
20
10-day notice to vacate

Here we have our 10-day notice toolkit This outlines the options and resources available to you.
21
3-day notice

Missouri does not have a three-day notice law (Kansas does). A three-day notice cannot be used to end your lease or your month-to-month tenancy. However, if you are behind on rent, the landlord may be using the notice to urge you to pay before they bring an eviction lawsuit. Remember, a landlord cannot force you from your home without suing and winning in court first.
22
My notice length is not listed

If you have received a written eviction notice and it does not fit into the 10-day, one-month (30 days), or 3-day notice length, contact us immediately!

While the notice may not fit traditional lengths, an attorney will need to review your case to adequately advise you on next steps.

Ignoring a notice may lead to eviction proceedings, additional fines, and/or a harmed housing record. You can give us a call at 816-278-1344.
23
Tell us about your rental agreement
I have a current lease
My lease expired or I never had one
24
Typically, a landlord cannot raise rent mid-lease. Read your lease carefully and see if there is anything that says they can. Assuming your lease sets the rental amount for the entire lease term, consider reminding your landlord of their duty to abide by the lease terms.
25
Without a lease, the landlord can change the terms of your tenancy, including the rental amount. However, it is our attorneys’ belief that such changes should be provided to the tenant in writing, at least one month in advance.

Note: Refusing to pay the rent increase can place you at risk for an eviction lawsuit. Tenants could consider organizing to fight a building-wide increase. Call KC Tenants for organizing support: (816) 533-5435
26
What bad conditions are you dealing with in your home? Check all that apply.
Bedbugs
Cockroaches
Rodents
Water leaks
Mold
Gas leaks
Heat
Air conditioning
Plumbing
Security
Non-working appliances
Structural (walls, ceilings, etc)
Electrical/lights
Other (see next slide)
27
Please describe your issue.
Huge
Large
Normal
Small
Ok
Ok
28
Check out our toolkit

You have a right to safe, sanitary housing.

Learn how to protect and enforce your rights by clicking this link.
29
If you have been locked out or

your landlord has turned off the utilities....

Contact an attorney immediately

A landlord may not legally force you from your home without suing you and getting a court order. If you have been illegally removed from your property, contact our legal help hotline: 816-278-1344
30
You are seeking help with an old eviction judgment. Was the judgment issued within the past 10 days?
YESNO
31
Check out our past judgment toolkit!

Based on your answers, we think our Past Judgment toolkit will help. You can find our Past Judgement toolkit here.
32
If an eviction judgment was issued against you in the past 10 days ...

Give us a call ASAP!

You may still have options. Call our hotline right away at 816-278-1344.
33
Moving out and concerned about your security deposit?

Check out our Security Deposit Toolkit here.
34
Sometimes life happens. If you are behind on rent ...

Check out our Short on Rent Toolkit
35
Did that address your concern?
Yes
No, I would like to select another issue
I have an issue that was not covered
36
Please select ALL issues you are currently experiencing that you have not already selected:This form will go one-by-one through each issue you select.
I was just served with an eviction lawsuit (I'm facing eviction and have an upcoming court date)
I received a notice to vacate, but have not been served with court documents
The landlord is raising the rent
The conditions in my home are bad (I don't have court)
I have been locked out or the landlord has turned off the utilities.
I need help dealing with an old eviction.
I've moved but my landlord is not returning my deposit.
I'm short on rent, and I do not have court
37
Where was your eviction case filed?Look at the heading on the lawsuit paperwork. Don't have it? You can check by searching your name on CaseNet.
I am a resident of Kansas City, MO
I am in Jackson County, Missouri (your paperwork will say 16th Judicial Circuit)
I am in Missouri and I am outside Jackson County (your paperwork will have a different circuit)
38
You have the right to a free attorney!

You may be able to prevent a harmful judgment by negotiating, asserting a defense, or getting rent aid to pay back rent. As a Kansas City, Missouri resident, you have the right to free legal representation regardless of your income, employment status, or anything else. You must fill out this form immediately to be assigned an attorney:

Tenant Intake Form

or call 816-474-5112
39
Seek legal representation!

Tenants represented by lawyers are less likely to be evicted. The following organizations provide FREE representation to tenants in Jackson County, Missouri. Make sure to reach out to them asap to see if they can assist you.

Legal-Aid of Western Missouri: 816-474-6750

UMKC Eviction Hotline: 816-235-2379

Please know: If you do not hear back from an attorney prior to your first court date, you have a right to ask for a continuance so that you can get a lawyer. After the judge has given you another court date, make sure to update the legal organizations you have contacted.

**NOTE: If you are being sued for an expedited eviction, call a legal service provider immediately. These cases move very quickly and you need to seek help promptly.
40
Seek legal representation!

Search online for the legal aid organization in your region and contact them (if you are in Clay or Platte County, try Legal Aid of Western Missouri: 816-474-6750).
41
Have you been unsuccessful in getting a lawyer?

Follow this link for our eviction toolkits. You can find out which type of case you have by looking at the header of the court paperwork you were given.

Rent and Possession

Unlawful Detainer
42
Understanding your notice: How many days notice did your landlord give you?If you are renting month-to-month, or you have an active lease, the landlord is usually required to give you written notice to end your tenancy (unless you are behind on rent, then check out our behind on rent toolkit here). To assist you, we need to know how many days you were given.
One month (30 days)
10-day notice
3-day notice
Other
43
One month notice to vacate (30 days)

Here we have our one month notice toolkit. This outlines the options and resources available to you if you have received a 30-day notice from your landlord.
44
10-day notice to vacate

Here we have our 10-day notice toolkit This outlines the options and resources available to you.
45
3-day notice

Missouri does not have a three-day notice law (Kansas does). A three-day notice cannot be used to end your lease or your month-to-month tenancy. However, if you are behind on rent, the landlord may be using the notice to urge you to pay before they bring an eviction lawsuit. Remember, a landlord cannot force you from your home without suing and winning in court first.
46
My notice length is not listed

If you have received a written eviction notice and it does not fit into the 10-day, one-month (30 days), or 3-day notice length, contact us immediately!

While the notice may not fit traditional lengths, an attorney will need to review your case to adequately advise you on next steps.

Ignoring a notice may lead to eviction proceedings, additional fines, and/or a harmed housing record. You can give us a call at 816-278-1344.
47
Tell us about your rental agreement
I have a current lease
My lease expired or I never had one
48
Typically, a landlord cannot raise rent mid-lease. Read your lease carefully and see if there is anything that says they can. Assuming your lease sets the rental amount for the entire lease term, consider reminding your landlord of their duty to abide by the lease terms.
49
Without a lease, the landlord can change the terms of your tenancy, including the rental amount. However, it is our attorneys’ belief that such changes should be provided to the tenant in writing, at least one month in advance.

Note: Refusing to pay the rent increase can place you at risk for an eviction lawsuit. Tenants could consider organizing to fight a building-wide increase. Call KC Tenants for organizing support: (816) 533-5435
50
What problems are you dealing with in your home? Check all that apply.
Bedbugs
Cockroaches
Rodents
Water leaks
Mold
Gas leaks
Heat
Air conditioning
Plumbing
Security
Non-working appliances
Structural (walls, ceilings, etc)
Electrical/lights
Other (see next slide)
51
Please describe your issue.
Huge
Large
Normal
Small
Ok
Ok
52
You have a right to safe, sanitary housing. Learn how to protect and enforce your rights...

Check out our Warranty of Habitability Toolkit !
53
If you have been locked out or
your landlord has turned off the utilities....

Contact an attorney immediately

A landlord may not legally force you from your home without suing you and getting a court order. If you have been illegally removed from your property, contact our legal help hotline: 816-278-1344
54
Did court and the judgment take place within the last 10 days?
YESNO
55
Based on your answers, we think our Past Judgment toolkit might help...

Check out our Past Judgment Toolkit
56
If an eviction judgment was issued against you in the past 10 days ...

Give us a call ASAP!

You may still have options. Call our hotline right away at 816-278-1344.
57
Moved/moving out and concerned about your security deposit?

Check out our Security Deposit Toolkit
58
Sometimes life happens. If you are short on rent ...

Check out our Short on Rent Toolkit
59
Did that address your concern?
No, and my issue was not covered
All my questions were answered
60
What other questions/issues do you still have?Please leave a short description of your unanswered question(s) or issues and our attorneys will review it. If there is something we can do to help, we will give you a call.
Huge
Large
Normal
Small
Ok
Ok
61
Thank you for using our Tenant Rights Guide!

Please share a link to this resource with any other tenants experiencing housing or landlord issues.
Should be Empty:

I want to learn my rights!

Have you been unsuccessful in getting a lawyer?

One month notice to vacate (30 days)

10-day notice to vacate

3-day notice

My notice length is not listed

Check out our toolkit

If you have been locked out or

your landlord has turned off the utilities....

Contact an attorney immediately

Check out our past judgment toolkit!

If an eviction judgment was issued against you in the past 10 days ...

Give us a call ASAP!

Moving out and concerned about your security deposit?

Sometimes life happens. If you are behind on rent ...

Have you been unsuccessful in getting a lawyer?

One month notice to vacate (30 days)

10-day notice to vacate

3-day notice

My notice length is not listed

You have a right to safe, sanitary housing. Learn how to protect and enforce your rights...

Check out our Warranty of Habitability Toolkit !

Based on your answers, we think our Past Judgment toolkit might help...

Moved/moving out and concerned about your security deposit?

Sometimes life happens. If you are short on rent ...

Check out our Short on Rent Toolkit