3. Make an agreement with your landlord

You can try to make an agreement with your landlord to stop the eviction if:

• you cannot pay the money you owe,
• you do not agree with the amount, or
• the application is not about owing rent.

This is sometimes called a “settlement” agreement.

Before you sign a settlement agreement, try to get legal advice, and make sure the agreement:

• says exactly what you agreed to, and
• does not include anything you think is not fair or that you will not be able to do.

If you sign an agreement, make sure you get a copy of it.

You do not have to make an agreement with your landlord. But sometimes making an agreement with your landlord is the best thing. For example, if you owe rent but cannot pay it before the hearing, an agreement might include a payment plan that gives you more time.

Be sure to go take a copy of the agreement to the hearing and tell the Board member about it.

If the landlord’s application is about rent owing, you can file the agreement with the Board before the hearing starts. You can then ask the Board member at the hearing to make an order that reflects what you and your landlord agreed to.

Be careful about what you agree to. If you make an agreement and then do not follow it, your landlord might be able to apply for an eviction order without giving you any notice and without you having a hearing.