Losing Public Housing

How can I lose Public Housing?

• Housing authorities can end your lease if
  • you possess or use illegal drugs, or
  • you engage in criminal activity, or
  • you don't pay your rent on time, or
  • you don't keep your apartment clean, or
  • you disturb your neighbors, such as by playing music too loud, or
  • your utilities are disconnected (this includes gas, water or power).
• If someone living in your household does any of these things, the housing authority can end your lease.
• If someone visiting you does any of these things while visiting you, the housing authority can end your lease.

What rights do I have if the Housing Authority wants to evict me?

• The housing authority has to give you a written notice of lease termination that explains why it wants to evict you.
• Most of the time, the housing authority must give you the right to ask for a hearing or conference to discuss why they want to evict you.
  • You have a right to bring a lawyer to your hearing.
  • You have the right to ask questions of the housing authority's witnesses.
  • You have the right to see any evidence against you.
  • You have the right to put on your own case and present a defense.
• If the housing authority says that you or another member of your household was involved in a crime that threatens the other tenants' health and safety, the housing authority does not have to give you a hearing.
• Whether or not you get a hearing, you always have the right to defend yourself in Court. Read Evictions.