Q: I was served an eviction notice due to non payment of rent. Even though I have receipts proving that I paid rent.
What are my options now? Take my receipts to court with me or show my landlord the receipts?
A:
If you were served with a dispossessory affidavit that was filed in court, the document will have the stamp of the clerk of the court and inform you of the 7 day deadline to file an answer in court. Therefore, file the answer in court by the deadline. It is so easy to miss the deadline, and you shouldn't rely on the landlord to dismiss the case before court without verification from the court clerk.
Therefore, (1) file your answer in court within the 7 days after service; (2) confirm the court date with the clerk; (3) show up to court unless the clerk confirms the landlord has dismissed the case.
In the meantime, yes, you can negotiate with the landlord and show proof. However, again, even if the landlord confirms he/she will dismiss the matter, confirm the dismissal with the clerk.
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