This page provides general information on what options you have when you're behind on rent. For more detailed information about your rental rights and responsibilities, visit our Your Rights page.
Step 1: Communicate With Your Landlord
At this point in the process, you may or may not have received an eviction notice giving you a deadline to pay the back-owed rent. In any case, you may want to consider keeping your landlord informed about your circumstances and next steps in addressing the back-owed balance. By now, most landlords in Dane County are familiar with the rental assistance programs in the area, but you may have to inform them of the programs you're applying for, keep them posted as you get information about your applications, or ask them for documents. Keeping your landlord informed of your circumstances can help prevent miscommunications and help keep your situation out of Eviction Court.
Whenever you communicate with your landlord, you should do so in writing and keep copies of the letters for yourself.
Sample Letters & Forms
| Document & Purpose | Files |
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Reply to Eviction Notice - Non-Payment of Rent Sample letter from tenant to landlord in response to an eviction notice over a lease violation of the non-payment of rent, when not in dispute. |
Word 📄 | PDF 📂 |
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Rent Payment Agreement Sample agreement between tenant and landlord to create a payment schedule for a past-due rent balance. |
PDF 📂 |
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Reply to Eviction Notice - Rule Violations Sample letter from tenant to landlord in response to an eviction notice over lease violations that are non-rent-related issues, when not in dispute. |
Word 📄 | PDF 📂 |
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Disputing an Eviction Notice Sample letter from tenant to landlord in response to an eviction notice when the lease violation is in dispute by the tenant. |
Word 📄 | PDF 📂 |
Step 2: Apply for Assistance
There are several different types of assistance programs in Dane County; though most have very limited resources and have restrictions.
TRC's very own Eviction Prevention Coordinated Entry Screening is the first step residents of Dane County should take if they are being evicted or at risk of being evicted. Through this intake system, TRC’s staff - who manage the Eviction Diversion & Defense Partnership (EDDP) - will determine a potential client’s eligibility for rental & utility assistance from the EDDP program. This intake system also allows entrants to access financial assistance from other organizations in Dane County that TRC staff may refer tenants to.
If you need help submitting a screening or have additional questions, the best way to get direct assistance right away is to speak with staff in our office. Tenant Resource Center is available for walk-ins, no appointment needed: see our current Hours & Locations here.