Can a Landlord Evict a Tenant Receiving Public Assistance?
Having a disability or needing government assistance does not entitle anyone to any preference in housing nor give them the ability to flaunt lease terms and city ordinances and do as they please. No, a landlord cannot evict someone just because they are disabled or are on government assistance. However, yes, they can evict for any number of reasons. It is important to understand this.
Understanding Landlord-tenant Rights
Landlords do not give a diddly-damn if someone is disabled or on government assistance, as long as that person is responsible and follows the rules. Misusing a disability or government assistance as a reason to behave poorly negatively affects others in your situation. The goal of a landlord is to have people living in the rental unit and consistently paying rent, and the source of income is secondary as long as the rent is paid on time.
The Lease and Eviction Rules
Maybe a tenant can be evicted just like everyone else. It depends on how the lease is written. For example, if it's a "no smoking" building or apartment and the tenant is a smoker and ignores the lease restrictions, it may be grounds for eviction. Having a disability or being on government assistance, such as Section 8, wouldn't necessarily qualify. It is essential to read your lease carefully and consult legal aid or a tenant-landlord lawyer for correct information specific to your state.
Legal Considerations and Discrimination
A landlord is not supposed to discriminate as to the source of income as long as it is not illegal. The Fair Housing Act, a part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), can provide more details on this. Renters may be asked for proof of income, such as bank statements, in order to determine if they can afford a unit. However, landlords usually do not care where the money comes from as long as the rent is paid.
Specific Situations with SSI and Notifying Changes in Income
If your lease specifically indicates that funds from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cannot be used to pay rent, this would be most likely illegal. However, if you are required to notify your landlord immediately if you have a significant change in income, the landlord cannot evict you because of it.
Remember, the key to maintaining a positive landlord-tenant relationship is to be responsible, follow the lease terms, and keep communication open.