Indiana guidance with Louisville-area examples. Check which county each service covers.

Behind on rent or facing eviction

Do not ignore court papers. Go to court even if you are scared. Help may be available.

1. Step 1: Read every notice

   Look for a court date. If there is a court case, the date matters most.

   • Indiana Judicial Branch: Help with Housing says: “the court may rule against you without hearing your side” (checked 2026-10-07)

2. Step 2: A letter from your landlord is not a court order

   Your landlord usually needs a court order before you must move. You can call the court to see if a case was filed.

   • Indiana Legal Services: Evictions (not linked) says: “If there is no court order saying you have to move” (checked 2026-10-07)

3. Step 3: Go to your hearing

   If you do not show up, the judge can decide against you without hearing from you.

   • Indiana Judicial Branch: Help with Housing says: “the court may rule against you without hearing your side” (checked 2026-10-07)

4. Step 4: Ask about pre-eviction diversion

   At your first hearing, the judge will explain it. If you and your landlord both agree, your case can be kept private and paused.

   • Indiana Judicial Branch: Help with Housing says: “you can have your case marked as confidential and stopped for 90 days” (checked 2026-10-07)

5. Step 5: Ask for rent help

   Money may be available through a state program, and your landlord may be able to help you apply. Funds can run out. If you cannot apply online, dial 2-1-1.

   • Indiana Judicial Branch: Help with Housing says: “Funding may or may not still be available” (checked 2026-10-07)
   • Indiana Judicial Branch: Help with Housing says: “can't apply online, call 2-1-1 for help” (checked 2026-10-07)

6. Step 6: Ask your township trustee

   Each township trustee has money for emergencies. Rules vary by office, and help may be limited if you are already behind or a case is filed. Call your township trustee office and ask.

   • Indiana Legal Services: Behind On My Rent (not linked) says: “Each Township Trustee has special funding for residents in emergency circumstances.” (checked 2026-10-07)
   • Indiana Legal Services: Behind On My Rent (not linked) says: “Rental assistance may not be available if a resident is already behind in rent” (checked 2026-10-07)

7. Step 7: Get free legal help

   Indiana Legal Services helps people with low income. You can apply by phone at the number and hours listed here. Applying does not mean they take your case.

   • Indiana Legal Services: Apply for Free Legal Help (not linked) says: “Apply by phone: Monday – Thursday 10:00a.m. -2:00p.m. EST 1-844-243-8570” (checked 2026-10-07)

8. Step 8: Local legal office

   Indiana Legal Services lists an office in New Albany. This is a law office, not a shelter. Call first and ask whether that office serves your county.

   • Indiana Legal Services: Locations (not linked) says: “3303 Plaza Drive, Suite 5 New Albany, IN 47150 (812) 945-4123 (office)” (checked 2026-10-07)

9. Step 9: Put any deal in writing

   If you work out a plan with your landlord, get it in writing.

   • Indiana Legal Services: Evictions (not linked) says: “Make sure to get any agreement in writing.” (checked 2026-10-07)

Confirm before you go. Court dates and office hours change. Check your court papers and call ahead.

This guide is information, not legal advice or a promise of help. NOLO does not decide who qualifies. Rules and offices change.