“There is an unprecedented need to provide assistance to renters who are unable to come up with the funds to pay their rent,” says retired Utah Supreme Court Justice Christine Durham, who chairs the Utah State Bar’s Access to Justice Commission. “Many of these renters have lost their jobs, lost their incomes, and used available savings. They simply don’t have many options left.”

Fortunately, help is available. “We want to encourage renters to reach out for advice and help as soon as they know they might have an issue making their rent payment. Most landlords are willing to discuss options and we are here to help mediate or provide advice,” says Heather Lester, Mediator for Utah Community Action. “Waiting until an eviction notice has been served is bad all around. Please call for help as soon as possible”.

The Utah Department of Workforce Services has announced that an additional $4 million in rental assistance will be available for those who apply. Renters may call 2-1-1 for help applying or receiving referrals for other needed services like food, utility assistance, etc.

Multiple Utah attorneys who regularly represent landlords have also agreed to play a part.

“We have been in communication with many of Utah’s top evictions attorneys and they have assured us that they are trying to work with tenants and don’t anticipate a significant uptick in eviction filings.” said Jeff Daybell, staff attorney for the Bar’s Access to Justice Office. “Obviously, those lawyers serve at the pleasure of their clients and are obligated to do what their clients that own apartment complexes request. However, we’re grateful to know that they aren’t anticipating a significant rise in evictions at the end of the moratorium.”

A recent study by the Utah Bar Foundation found that around 95 percent of all landlords have attorneys representing them in court, whereas less than 5 percent of tenants have an attorney to help. Programs like the 3rd District Court’s Pro Se Evictions Calendar provide some tenants with free, same-day representation. However, if a tenant fails to appear at court, they won’t be able to get that help.

“We’re doing everything we can to reach out to tenants proactively and let them know we’re there to help,” says Daybell. “However, so many people are still falling through the cracks. Our hope is that anyone reading this will know they can call us and either get free representation, or else be pointed to another resource that may help them.”

“These are unprecedented times,” says Justice Durham. “Our state hasn’t seen anything like this in a lifetime and it’s encouraging to see legal service providers, social services providers, and state agencies all working together. We’re not out of the woods yet, but we’ll continue working until renters – and the state as a whole – can get back on their feet.”

Renters attempting to navigate the many resources available may visit utahlegalhelp.org/evictions, or contact the Utah State Bar’s Access to Justice office at probono@utahbar.org or 801-297-7053.