Frequently Asked Questions: Nonpayment of Rent Stipulated Agreement

  • A stipulated agreement is a deal between you and your landlord. You both agree on what to do, and it is legally binding (you must follow it). In this case, the agreement is also an addendum to your existing lease.

  •  This agreement helps:

    • Keep rent payments going

    • Keep people housed

    • Prevent evictions and make the process less stressful

  • You can use this if:

    • You live in supportive housing

    • You got an eviction notice for not paying rent

  • The attorney or property management for your housing site will give you the agreement. You should review it and talk to a lawyer. You can talk to a lawyer at:

    • The Eviction Defense Collaborative – (415) 659-9184 or email legal@evictiondefense.org or 

    • Homeless Advocacy Project – (415) 575-3130 or hapintake@sfbar.org

     If you agree, then you and your landlord sign a new agreement in which:

    • You agree to pay back rent (money you owe)

    • You agree to use money management services for 1 year

    In return:

    • Your landlord stops the eviction

    • You can stay in your home as long as you follow the rules

  • These services help you handle your money.
    They can:

    • Help you pay bills

    • Help you make a budget

    In this program:

    • An organization will pay your rent for you for 12 months

    • They will use your income (like a paycheck or benefits) to do this

  •  No. The City pays for them.

  • You may be able to get benefits like CAAP or SSI to help you. Talk to your case manager as soon as you can about enrolling for benefits.

  • Yes, you give up some rights.

    • You cannot argue in court about how much rent you owe

    But:

    • You can still take action if your home is not safe to live in

    • You can talk to a lawyer about your case. You can contact the Eviction Defense Collaborative at (415) 659-9184 or email legal@evictiondefense.org or the Homeless Advocacy Project at – (415) 575-3130 or hapintake@sfbar.org for more information.

  • You do not have to sign it.

    But if you don’t:

    • Your landlord will continue the eviction process

  • Talk to your property manager about signing the stipulated agreement. 

    If you need help with  income or benefits, contact your case manager right away. They will help you get started.

  •  Don’t wait. You can still get help.

    • Talk to your property manager about a payment plan.

    • Reach out to an organization called Conflict Intervention Services (CIS) for help solving problems with your landlord. You can reach them at 415-782-8940.

    • Ask you Case Manager about Rental Assistance and Money Management Services.