Avoiding homelessness on short timescale

[G037H3]

I know this is probably off-topic, but it's worth a shot. I've previously alluded to my deteriorating personal situation. Yesterday evening, I discovered that the person who is the head of household (renting it from someone else) is going to try to evict me on Dec. 1st...a full month ahead of when I thought I would have to deal with the issue. Not only are they going to try to evict me, they're going to attempt to accept my rent $ and *then* kick me out.

-I've been here for 5 months
-I pay rent in $, $360 per month
-I do not have a contract

I'm extremely frightened, for obvious reasons. Homelessness is not something I could handle. Being transgender and physically frail, if I become homeless, the chance of being assaulted/raped/etc. is pretty high. I have no knowledge of how to survive in that sort of situation.

Considering that, I'm rapidly planning the next few days so that I may, namely:

-apply for several hundred jobs in less than a week
-apply for governmental job placement services
-apply for food stamps
-try to find a cheap room to stay in (biggest issue after finding a job)
-try to find a place to stash my computer/books, if I don't have a roof over my head for a few days or weeks
-organize all of my belongings so that I know exactly what I have, and how much space it takes
-be extremely strict with my habits so that I can carry out these things

With regards to employment, I have never had a job before. I have an Honors GED (yay -_-).

So, any constructive advice is good advice. You can ask pretty much any question and I will answer it, because of the circumstances.

If you know someone near Seattle who would let me stay in a room for a little while, up to a month or two, that would be very helpful as well. I'm extremely introverted (quiet), and am very considerate of others. I'm also a decent conversationalist if the topic is intellectual in nature. All that is really necessary short term is a room with a bed, enough space for clothes and grooming products, the room hopefully warmer than outside, access to a refrigerator so that I can put a few items that I purchase into it, and access to a shower and sink. I have very little money but I'd try to contribute what I could, especially after I am hired somewhere.

 

[Andre]

Okay, I have read your thread and I'm afraid I can't do a lot from The Netherlands.

I hope you get it solved soon. All the best.

 

[Math Is Hard]

Do you have any money saved? Maybe you could find something right away on Craigs List:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/search/roo?query=&srchType=A&minAsk=&maxAsk=350

 

[rootX]

Considering that, I'm rapidly planning the next few days so that I may, namely:

-apply for several hundred jobs in less than a week
-apply for governmental job placement services
-apply for food stamps
-try to find a cheap room to stay in (biggest issue after finding a job)

What's preventing you from doing that?

What's preventing you from talking to your house owner?

 

[G037H3]

Okay, I have read your thread and I'm afraid I can't do a lot from The Netherlands.

I hope you get it solved soon. All the best.

Thanks. =/

 

[G037H3]

Do you have any money saved? Maybe you could find something right away on Craigs List:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/search/roo?query=&srchType=A&minAsk=&maxAsk=350

The question of having a tiny bit of $ is up in the air. Two months ago, I tried to put a $600 money order into my checking account. The bank flubbed it and now I'm still waiting for that $...without it I'm much more screwed than with it. Also, yes, I am going to look into craigslist. ._.

 

[G037H3]

What's preventing you from doing that?

What's preventing you from talking to your house owner?

First question: what?

Second question: They're a drug addict. I don't want to make the situation worse.

 

[Jack21222]

You know it's illegal for them to try and kick you out after accepting your rent, right? It's also illegal for them to kick you out without 30 days notice in most (if not all) states.

What happens if you simply refuse to leave?

 

[G037H3]

You know it's illegal for them to try and kick you out after accepting your rent, right?

It's cash, I have no proof of whether or not I pay.

It's also illegal for them to kick you out without 30 days notice in most (if not all) states.

I think it's 3 days notice? I'm in Lynnwood, WA. I read it somewhere...idk, I'm way too freaked out to handle details, but it is important. I doubt there are many lawyers on this site though, aha. Also, this person doesn't care about legality, she's been a drug addict for over 30 years, and lives without working by defrauding the state.

What happens if you simply refuse to leave?

I was told that the blankets in my room will be taken, etc.

 

[Math Is Hard]

The question of having a tiny bit of $ is up in the air. Two months ago, I tried to put a $600 money order into my checking account. The bank flubbed it and now I'm still waiting for that $...without it I'm much more screwed than with it.

Two months is an awful long time for the bank to resolve the problem. Can you get down there tomorrow? Let them know you are in dire straights and need that money ASAP.

 

[Newai]

Well, here're the laws for that state:

http://www.wsba.org/media/publications/pamphlets/landlord-tenant.htm

And here's the AG's website:

http://www.atg.wa.gov/ResidentialLT/default.aspx

 

[Newai]

It's cash, I have no proof of whether or not I pay.

That might not matter as much as you might think. Maybe from now on at least shell over an extra two dollars for a money order at the post office and pay with that.

I was told that the blankets in my room will be taken, etc.

Definitely not legal.

 

[Pythagorean]

It's cash, I have no proof of whether or not I pay.

You can make proof. Write up a contract or a receipt or something and make him sign it before you give him the cash. If he still pulls something, take him to Judge Judy. She'd totally appreciate that you made up a contract.

 

[G037H3]

Two months is an awful long time for the bank to resolve the problem. Can you get down there tomorrow? Let them know you are in dire straights and need that money ASAP.

I already have, but I'll try again :D. Tomorrow I'm signing up for WorkSource, applying for food stamps, going to the bank about the money order, and going to the mall to ask lots of retail places if they're hiring.

As for habits, I've already completely cut out all of my math/programming studies, and all of my recreational internet perusing.

 

[G037H3]

Well, here're the laws for that state:

http://www.wsba.org/media/publications/pamphlets/landlord-tenant.htm

And here's the AG's website:

http://www.atg.wa.gov/ResidentialLT/default.aspx

Thank you for the resources.

 

[Newai]

Thank you for the resources.

Sure. BTW, if my landlord took my blankets, or anything, out of my apartment over a rent payment dispute, I'd have her arrested. Or at least file a complaint.

And maybe that would reflect poorly on her if she tried a forced eviction - which she would need the police to administer. (At least accord. to rules in my state.)

 

[G037H3]

That might not matter as much as you might think. Maybe from now on at least shell over an extra two dollars for a money order at the post office and pay with that.

That's a possibility. I think 7-11 does money orders as well. Would it make any difference which one I went with? Also, can I convert a money order back into cash if they won't accept the money order?

Definitely not legal.

The blankets don't belong to me. Also, what recourse do I have if they do illegal things? =(

 

[Newai]

That's a possibility. I think 7-11 does money orders as well. Would it make any difference which one I went with? Also, can I convert a money order back into cash if they won't accept the money order?

I suggest money orders as at least an alternative because the PO keeps records. I can't say for 7-11, but maybe if you photocopy the MO after filling it out, and note the serial number?

The blankets don't belong to me. Also, what recourse do I have if they do illegal things? =(

Maybe not your blankets, but some states/most states? have "warranties of habitability." In other words, it's her obligation to provide a safe, clean, comfortable environment. Varies among states. You really need to talk to a lawyer.

Your recourse is to ask the police for assistance whenever anyone does anything illegally.

 

[Newai]

Here's what looks like the relevant laws on the matter for your state:

http://accessevictions.com/landlord-tenant-law/washington-eviction-process/

The Eviction Process – an Overview
Step 1. The Eviction Notice

The eviction process, with few exceptions, begins with a notice. The most common include: for non-payment of rent, a three-day-notice-to-pay-or-vacate; for failure to comply with a term of the lease, a ten-day-notice-to-comply-or-vacate; for waste or nuisance a three-day-quit-notice; or a notice to terminate a tenancy. Eviction notice forms may be downloaded for free.

While the landlord may serve more than one type of notice, this will cause problems if the notices are inconsistent. For example, a landlord would be unwise to serve a nuisance notice in combination with other notices. Consult an attorney if unsure which notices to serve.

Step 2. Initiating the Eviction Litigation – The Summons and Complaint

If the tenant fails to comply with the notice, the next step in the eviction is to initiate litigation. This is done by serving the tenant with a summons and complaint. The tenant must answer the summons by the deadline specified, generally 7-10 days from the date of service. Because the landlord is a party to the action, the landlord may not serve the summons and complaint.

Step 3. Default or a Show Cause Hearing

A. Default

If there is no response to the summons and complaint relief may be obtained from the court by default without notice to the tenant. In Washington a defendant, including a tenant, does not have to do a lot to appear. Even a phone call could be treated as an appearance.

OR

B. The Show Cause Hearing

If the tenant makes an appearance, even an informal one, a hearing is required. The tenant must be given notice of the hearing. The tenant must show cause at this hearing as to why you are not entitled to possession and a judgment for rent immediately, i.e. without the need for a trial. (Unless service was by alternative means, in which case you are only entitled to possession but not a judgment.)

The landlord or property manager must attend the hearing.

The show cause order may be served at the time the summons and complaint are served or any time afterwards. If the tenant responds to am unfiled summons, a show cause hearing must be set to continue the eviction process. Because of this tenant right to “automatically” delay the eviction process consider serving the show cause order with the summons and complaint.

Step 4. The Sheriff Steps In

After the writ of restitution is obtained, whether by default or at the show cause hearing, the sheriff will serve it. The tenant will have three business days to vacate, not including the day of service.

If the tenant does not vacate the premises in this time-frame you must contact the sheriff’s civil department and arrange a physical eviction.

 

[Newai]

That's a possibility. I think 7-11 does money orders as well. Would it make any difference which one I went with? Also, can I convert a money order back into cash if they won't accept the money order?

Won't accept the MO? You really need to talk to a lawyer.

 

[Jack21222]

The blankets don't belong to me. Also, what recourse do I have if they do illegal things? =(

1) You can buy blankets incredibly cheap

2) Seriously? You've never heard of the police?

 

[G037H3]

I suggest money orders as at least an alternative because the PO keeps records. I can't say for 7-11, but maybe if you photocopy the MO after filling it out, and note the serial number?

Well, maybe the money order in addition to making them sign a thing saying I paid December rent?

Maybe not your blankets, but some states/most states? have "warranties of habitability." In other words, it's her obligation to provide a safe, clean, comfortable environment. Varies among states. You really need to talk to a lawyer.

I see.

Your recourse is to ask the police for assistance whenever anyone does anything illegally.

The issue is that I grew up in a very abusive household, so I'm in the dark as to my legal rights...

 

[G037H3]

Here's what looks like the relevant laws on the matter for your state:

http://accessevictions.com/landlord-tenant-law/washington-eviction-process/

OMG that looks way worse than the first link you shared. I think the thing they're trying to do is the three-day-pay-or-vacate thing D:
So:

* is December 4th the last day of the 3 day thing, or the day I can be evicted, technically?

* if I pay, I'm good for December, right?

fklasjklfjaklsofejafiojoaejif <---sorry, freaking out

 

[G037H3]

Won't accept the MO? You really need to talk to a lawyer.

She is *crazy*. Pill addict for over 30 years = crazy. Seriously. Lying, manipulative person. Even without the possible issue of being homeless because of her, I have to get out anyways, it's not a positive environment.

 

[G037H3]

Won't accept the MO? You really need to talk to a lawyer.

I don't have money, and I don't know how to deal with the legal process/police.

 

[G037H3]

1) You can buy blankets incredibly cheap

2) Seriously? You've never heard of the police?

Right now I have about $100, less than 3 days of food, and I need to buy a winter coat. Did I mention I have no job, and the money order thing is messed up? :)

2. abusive childhood -> messed up perspective of my own rights, tendency to blame myself for things that go wrong...I'm trying to figure these things out, really

 

[Newai]

The issue is that I grew up in a very abusive household, so I'm in the dark as to my legal rights...

Which is why you need to talk to an attorney. You don't pay to talk to them; you pay them to work for you. There are legal services that offer low-cost or free help to people who can't pay. I'm sure the court house in your jurisdiction can point you in the right direction.

OMG that looks way worse than the first link you shared. I think the thing they're trying to do is the three-day-pay-or-vacate thing D:
So:

* is December 4th the last day of the 3 day thing, or the day I can be evicted, technically?

* if I pay, I'm good for December, right?


fklasjklfjaklsofejafiojoaejif <---sorry, freaking out

I don't know. Which is why you need to make a phone call:
http://washington.statelawyers.com/

Three days. Rough terms in your state.
http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/how-to-issue-residential-rent-eviction-notices-in-washington
Here are the rules for timing in evictions.

 

[G037H3]

Which is why you need to talk to an attorney. You don't pay to talk to them; you pay them to work for you. There are legal services that offer low-cost or free help to people who can't pay. I'm sure the court house in your jurisdiction can point you in the right direction.



I don't know. Which is why you need to make a phone call:
http://washington.statelawyers.com/

Three days. Rough terms in your state.
http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/how-to-issue-residential-rent-eviction-notices-in-washington
Here are the rules for timing in evictions.

My stomach is a mossy fire trapped in a spring. Bah. X_X

I'll ask about legal help tomorrow morning when I'm at the WorkSource place. :)

 

[Newai]

At least when you go to bed tonight, put the worrying aside for now and leave that for later.

Best of luck and fortune to you.

 

[Math Is Hard]

It would be ideal if your December rent money could go to a new landlord. I don't know if that's too much to hope for, but there could be people looking to rent a room right away.

I wish you the best of luck. Maybe that friend you mentioned would be able to let you couch surf for a couple of weeks just so you could get out of where you are now.

 

[G037H3]

At least when you go to bed tonight, put the worrying aside for now and leave that for later.

Best of luck and fortune to you.

I'll try. As for the job thing:

9% unemployment

I'm not in the bottom 9% of people who want to work

Therefore I should be able to find a job

This is what I've been telling myself today, at least. :)

 

[G037H3]

It would be ideal if your December rent money could go to a new landlord. I don't know if that's too much to hope for, but there could be people looking to rent a room right away.

I wish you the best of luck. Maybe that friend you mentioned would be able to let you couch surf for a couple of weeks just so you could get out of where you are now.

Is probably too much to hope for... =(

I'm confused, what friend? My only friend lives in Canada, and can no longer support me.

 

[Math Is Hard]

Is probably too much to hope for... =(

I'm confused, what friend? My only friend lives in Canada, and can no longer support me.

I apologize. I misread part of your first post.

But have you got any prospects as far as friends who might help you out?

 

[G037H3]

I apologize. I misread part of your first post.

But have you got any prospects as far as friends who might help you out?

Nope, I moved here from across the country with pretty much nothing, I had no friends where I came from, and I have no friends here.

 

[Jack21222]

Nope, I moved here from across the country with pretty much nothing, I had no friends where I came from, and I have no friends here.

If you had stayed on this coast, I'd have a room for you in Baltimore. Seattle's so dreary anyway.

 

[G037H3]

If you had stayed on this coast, I'd have a room for you in Baltimore. Seattle's so dreary anyway.

I was in the Midwest. I moved here because I was told to by the friend (who was acting as my protector at the time). I have more opportunities as a transgendered person here, but this situation is still very stressful.

 

[Jasongreat]

Is probably too much to hope for... =(

Hope doesn't get things done. There is a room for rent in west seattle, http://classifieds.thestranger.com/seattle/Results?section=oid%3A8" , might be too costly without getting the bank problem fixed though.

http://www.e-roommate.com/"is a roomate finding service which might have something.

Most newspapers and entertainment magazines have a room rental section. Another option would be to try and find a caretaker position at an apartment complex, they might give you a room as part of your pay.

 

[G037H3]

Hope doesn't get things done. There is a room for rent in west seattle, http://classifieds.thestranger.com/seattle/Results?section=oid%3A8" , might be too costly without getting the bank problem fixed though.

http://www.e-roommate.com/"is a roomate finding service which might have something.

Most newspapers and entertainment magazines have a room rental section. Another option would be to try and find a caretaker position at an apartment complex, they might give you a room as part of your pay.

Thank you for the links. And ads from the Stranger are probably better than a randomly picked source, since I'm trans.

Really, the main thing is whether or not I can get the money order $ into my account by Dec. 3rd. If I can't, I am homeless. If I can, I just have to rush to get a job and find a place to stay after Jan 4th.

The money order is THE thing. Tomorrow, I'm going to give the bank hell about it.

My friend told me it is in my best interest to go to sleep now, because I'm bleeding out in all directions because of my fear and such.

 

[Jasongreat]

Thank you for the links. And ads from the Stranger are probably better than a randomly picked source, since I'm trans.

Really, the main thing is whether or not I can get the money order $ into my account by Dec. 3rd. If I can't, I am homeless. If I can, I just have to rush to get a job and find a place to stay after Jan 4th.

The money order is THE thing. Tomorrow, I'm going to give the bank hell about it.

My friend told me it is in my best interest to go to sleep now, because I'm bleeding out in all directions because of my fear and such.

Why not get out now, if the bank problem gets resolved? It doesn't sound like you like where you are at, it doesn't sound like your roomates like you where you are at and are planning on screwing you over, lastly you don't have a contract that is forcing you to stay where you are at. If I were you, I would be leaving asap. I would not put it off hopefully for another month, I say hopefully because even if you do pay, they might evict you anyways in which case you would be out the rent money, and although you could possibly have legal recourse, it wouldn't happen overnight and when you force your way back in you will most likely be treated even worse by your roomates than you are now. Get out as fast as you can, even if you have to find a weekly room rental in a dive motel.

 

[Math Is Hard]

I agree about getting out now if there is any way possible. The person you rent from could really screw you over. You could hand over the rent, and still get evicted and have the locks changed on you. Even if you come back with the cops and a copy of the money order, the landlord could claim it was money you owed from a month or two before, and that you are behind on rent. They could make up all sorts of lies. It's a precarious situation with no receipts for the cash transactions.

 

[G037H3]

Why not get out now, if the bank problem gets resolved? It doesn't sound like you like where you are at, it doesn't sound like your roomates like you where you are at and are planning on screwing you over, lastly you don't have a contract that is forcing you to stay where you are at. If I were you, I would be leaving asap. I would not put it off hopefully for another month, I say hopefully because even if you do pay, they might evict you anyways in which case you would be out the rent money, and although you could possibly have legal recourse, it wouldn't happen overnight and when you force your way back in you will most likely be treated even worse by your roomates than you are now. Get out as fast as you can, even if you have to find a weekly room rental in a dive motel.

Right...I partially agree, but there are a couple of major issues in the meantime:

* I have no place to store any of my stuff for the transition from one place to another

* I'm an INFJ, meaning that I like to have things planned out, or I'm pretty insecure about how things will be done.

* I moved out here because I was told to; I'm not very functional on my own aha.

The 1st is on Wednesday; I greatly doubt I could find a place in that short of a timespan.

And I'm still in the dark about the money order, but I am going to try to get them to make it high priority today.

 

[G037H3]

I agree about getting out now if there is any way possible. The person you rent from could really screw you over. You could hand over the rent, and still get evicted and have the locks changed on you. Even if you come back with the cops and a copy of the money order, the landlord could claim it was money you owed from a month or two before, and that you are behind on rent. They could make up all sorts of lies. It's a precarious situation with no receipts for the cash transactions.

Right... =(

 

[raam86]

Have you given an thought to couch surfing? http://www.couchsurfing.org/ This will surely act as an emergency 'chute if you are evicted. I would take this even further seeing you have no job, no money and nothing that ties you to one place. Take a tour across America with couch surfing on the cheap. If you haven't read "On the road" then do and then you will surely be convinced. Get rid of your belongings, you don't need them take this opportunity and make the best out of it. I am almost jealous. <3

 

[G037H3]

Have you given an thought to couch surfing? http://www.couchsurfing.org/ This will surely act as an emergency 'chute if you are evicted. I would take this even further seeing you have no job, no money and nothing that ties you to one place. Take a tour across America with couch surfing on the cheap. If you haven't read "On the road" then do and then you will surely be convinced. Get rid of your belongings, you don't need them take this opportunity and make the best out of it. I am almost jealous. <3

Hahaha. I'd be okay with that if I had *some* money and a laptop. And I don't know about traveling across the country. x.x I know that nothing really ties me down, but that seems to be a very open-ended thing. Open ended things are fine, if you can predict some of it, and have some form of stability.

 

[raam86]

You don't have to travel. You can a rent storage for $1 a day in some places and just couch surf in your region until you settle down. there are 379 couch surfers in Seattle alone. It means FREE or very close to free places to sleep.

 

[G037H3]

You don't have to travel. You can a rent storage for $1 a day in some places and just couch surf in your region until you settle down. there are 379 couch surfers in Seattle alone. It means FREE or very close to free places to sleep.

It is certainly something to look into. And I am very interested in rent storage...technically that could be a place to sleep O_O (I know it's probably illegal, I don't care...they probably have cameras, hum. :/)

 

[lisab]

In Washington State (not sure about other places), there's an organization that is a clearing house for services such as housing, job training, food, etc.

Just dial 211.

 

[G037H3]

In Washington State (not sure about other places), there's an organization that is a clearing house for services such as housing, job training, food, etc.

Just dial 211.

I'll look at that later. I'm leaving to go sign up for WorkSource, apply for food stamps, and ask about free legal counsel resources. Be back in a couple of hours. :)

 

[G037H3]

Good news everyone, I should be able to pay rent...the money order sent by a friend (who doesn't want contact with me now, so I guess I have 0 friends in reality... D:) looks like it will finally process after a 6 week wait. Of course the Canadian bank and Chase took $110 (18% of the total) out, isn't that nice of them to freak me out and then rob me of over $100? =) I'm definitely switching banks in the future.

I see now that I have to be much more confident and proactive. I am wayyyyyy more capable than I give myself credit for. To illustrate:

I had little energy, and was super freaked out today, and yet I:

* signed up for WorkSource, talked to a counselor person, and obtained information on a youth job placement service that I'm calling tomorrow (only issue is that I'll have to take a bus to get to the location)
* applied for "Basic Food"
* despite feeling like I was going to pass out, I made myself walk to the bank and confront them, which I handled very calmly
* had to deal with the person I'm renting my room from telling me about their intention to do the three day eviction notice; I handled it with extreme self-control
* walked over 4 miles

For the next month, my waking hours shall be roughly split between finding a job/looking for a new place to live, and going in depth with Python/cranking out code/learning to type Dvorak :P. Two-pronged approach to life security. =D

 

[Newai]

Good for you! No more letting people take advantage of your circumstances. Cling to this moment and build on it.

There will be bumps and holes to come, but you're taking control and responsibility. Good for you.