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Do I have to pay my rent and utilities during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Answer: YES.  

While most court proceedings, including those related to eviction actions, have temporarily been postponed, the obligation to make your monthly rental payment has NOT been suspended. Failing to make your payments on time and in full can still result in late fees, and once the courts reopen for all proceedings, eventual eviction actions. 

Similarly, your obligation to pay your monthly utility bill has NOT been suspended either. While some utilities companies have chosen not to shut off utilities during this time, most have not made this decision and are still shutting off utilities for non-payment. Even if your utility company has decided not to shut off utilities for non-payment during this time, your responsibility for the payment has NOT ended. Failing to make your payments on time and in full can still result in late fees, and once utility disconnections resume, eventual loss of utility services.  

If you have questions regarding your rental obligations, contact WTLS at 800-372-8346, ext. 250 or online at wtls.org to apply for our services. 

This page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice from an attorney. All information was accurate at the time of posting. If you have further questions about this information please call 1-800-372-8346 or click here to apply for our services.

Information in this blog post is time-sensitive, so things may have changed by the time you read this. Original publish date: 03/18/2021