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Can I Get a Forbearance Agreement to Stop Eviction?

Can I Get a Forbearance Agreement to Stop Eviction?

Q: Is it illegal to not have water at home?

Yes, it is generally considered illegal for a landlord to deny water service to tenants, as it violates housing codes that require basic utilities for habitability. If you are without water, you should report the issue to local housing authorities. They can investigate and enforce compliance with housing laws.

Q: Am I responsible for previous owners' water bills?

Typically, you are not responsible for the water bills of previous owners unless you agreed to assume those debts in your purchase agreement. Water bills are usually tied to the property, not the owner. However, check local laws and your purchase contract for specific terms regarding utility responsibilities.

Q: Can you evict someone for not paying water bill?

Yes, a landlord can initiate eviction proceedings if a tenant fails to pay water bills, especially if the lease agreement specifies that tenants are responsible for utilities. However, the process must follow state laws, which often require landlords to provide notice and an opportunity to pay before eviction can occur.

Q: Can a new tenant be held responsible for previous tenant's unpaid utilities bill?

Generally, a new tenant cannot be held responsible for a previous tenant's unpaid utility bills unless there is a specific agreement stating otherwise. Utility accounts are typically tied to the property, not the individual tenant. It's important to clarify utility responsibilities in the lease agreement.

Full question:

I live in a cooperative housing project. Occupants are responsible for paying the water. I never received a water bill. The landlord was aware of the outstanding water charges, based on a monthly accounting ledger, yet never provided me with a bill, nor did the water company. To avoid eviction I entered into a contract to pay 200.00 a month. I was released from confinement in 2007, and have been unable to find work. A housing inspector found that the home is in serious violation of state housing code. A judgement was entered against me for repossession due to failure to pay outstanding carrying charges. Can I obtain forbearance to avoid eviction?

Category: Real Property
Subcategory: Foreclosure
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Maryland

Answer:

Forbearance is when a lender agrees to let you delay your payments to them for a short period of time. That doesn't mean the lender has forgiven the debt but just allows you to pay what you owe at a later date. A forbearance mortgage is when your lender agrees to let you delay your monthly mortgage payments for a short period of time. A forbearance mortgage is often combined with other programs that bring your monthly mortgage payments current after a negotiated period of time.

If the lender believes the repayment terms can be restructured to its satisfaction, then the forbearance agreement is an effective compromise. Forbearance is usually for temporary financial problems. If the borrower has more serious problems, for example if it is a variable-rate mortgage and the interest rate becomes unaffordable for the borrower, then forbearance is usually not a solution.

Once any petition for bankruptcy is filed, the bankruptcy laws provide for an automatic stay which is an injunction against the continuance of any action by any creditor against the debtor or the debtor's property. This means that creditors are no longer entitled to file liens on property for debts that existed at the beginning of the bankruptcy case. The only exception may be for on-going child or family support ordered by a court. The automatic stay prohibits the beginning or continuing of law suits, any collection calls, repossessions, foreclosure sales, and garnishment or levies.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What do you do if you have no water?

If you have no water, first check if it's a temporary issue, like a broken pipe. Contact your water provider to report the problem. If you live in a rental property, inform your landlord immediately. They are typically responsible for maintaining water service. If the issue isn't resolved, you may have legal options, including reporting the problem to local housing authorities. Document all communications and keep records of your water service history for future reference.

What are my rights if I have no water?

If you have no water, you have the right to a habitable living environment, which includes access to water. Landlords are generally required to provide essential services, including water. If they fail to do so, you may have grounds to withhold rent or take legal action. Each state has specific laws regarding tenant rights, so consult local housing regulations for detailed information.