Tenant Education & Strategies for Staying Housed

Tenant Resource Center

We are here for you. If you are facing eviction or struggling to pay rent, we are here to provide information about Idaho’s eviction process, brainstorm strategies to keep you housed, and connect you to available resources.

208-383-9486 | Call Monday–Friday from 9am–5pm

1121 W Miller St, Boise | Visit Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday between 9am–4pm

Press the button most similar to your situation to learn what you can do!

I can't pay my rent I am past due on my rent I got an eviction notice I got a court summons I need to move

Or, scroll down for more information about the Idaho eviction process and ideas that can help you stay housed.

I am interested in Tenant Education Opportunities

How does eviction work in Idaho?

We know that the potential of losing your home is incredibly traumatic. Having an understanding of the eviction process can help understand what you can do. The process itself can be broken down into five parts:

Can’t Pay Rent

Landlord Gives Notice

Landlord Files for Court

Tenant Gets a Summons

Eviction Court Occurs

How does Jesse Tree assistance work?

Jesse Tree’s process can be broken down into 5 parts:

Tenant Resource Center (TRC)

Waitlist Form

Assignment

Case Management

Financial Assistance

Tips for Avoiding an Eviction

1) Talk to your landlord and share your action plan to pay back what you owe.

2) Look at your budget to figure out what the least and most you can pay is, and follow through on those payments. A partial payment is better than no payment.

3) Reach out to friends and family for support.

4) Find alternate ways to make income to pay your past due balance.

5) KEEP TRYING! We know this is sometimes the hardest part. You’ve got this!

Downloadable Resources

Tips for Talking to your Landlord Budgeting Questions Jesse Tree's Process Overview Rent, Utility Assistance, and more Getting New Employment Renting 101 for 1st time renters Tips for Avoiding an eviction Tips for getting into new housing Eviction Process Infographic Make Cash Fast (Locally)

I can’t pay rent.

Know Your Rights & Responsibilities

Knowing your rights & responsibilities will enable you to make good decisions when faced with obstacles.

Helpful Links:

Idaho Eviction Process

Landlord-Tenant Manual

Tenant & Landlord Rights Training

Landlord/Tenant Lockout Process

City of Boise Renter Protections

Look At Your Budget

Rent is a big monthly expense for most tenants. Coming up with creative solutions will be easier once you know what you already can and cannot cover.

Helpful Links:

Budgeting Resources (WaFd)

Questions to Ask While Looking At Your Budget

Consider Getting a Roommate

Apply For Further Assistance

There are additional programs in the Treasure Valley that might help you.

Helpful Links:

Find Help Idaho

Talk To Your Landlord

Talk to your landlord about needing more time to pay overdue rent. Explain what you've done and your plan to catch up. A payment plan can help you avoid eviction costs. Don't wait for a 3-day notice. If your landlord is understanding, it's a better solution than seeking emergency rent help, which is uncertain.

Helpful Links:

Fillable Payment Plan Template

Ask Your Community For Help

It might feel tough, but it's crucial—talk to your community. Ask family and friends for support, not just money but also for connections to discounts, benefits, or help with things like childcare and groceries. Community and church groups can also be useful.

I have a pay-or-quit notice.

If you’ve received an official pay-or-quit notice from your landlord, use the Emergency Rental Assistance application to join our waitlist.

apply for waitlist

Apply For Emergency Funds

Apply for Jesse Tree assistance if you live in Ada or Canyon County.

Jesse Tree can't promise help to everyone, but we'll respond within 3 weeks of application submission.

For qualifying tenants, a Jesse Tree Case Manager will contacts you to schedule a meeting before coordinating with your landlord.

For tenants that do not qualify, we'll email you and suggest other programs for assistance.

Helpful Links:

Emergency Rental Assistance Application

Jesse Tree Programs Process

Tips for Avoiding Eviction

Emergency Assistance FAQ's

Idaho Eviction Process

To avoid eviction and be prepared if your landlord takes action, take a moment to understand the process, what you need to do, and when you need to make payments.

Helpful Links:

Idaho Eviction Process

Landlord Tenant Manual

Landlord/Tenant Lockout Process

Forward Submission Email To Landlord

If you live in Ada or Canyon County, once you fill out Jesse Tree's form, you'll join the waitlist. You'll get an email confirming when it was sent.

Forward this to your landlord to show you're working on multiple solutions, like applying to Jesse Tree to pay overdue rent. Applying to Jesse Tree should never be the ONLY thing you’re doing to get caught up on your past-due rent. Make sure you communicate all of the ways you’re working to pay your past-due balance.

Helpful Links:

Tips for Avoiding Eviction

Emergency Assistance FAQ's

Apply For Further Assistance

There are programs in the Treasure Valley that may be able to help you.

Helpful Links:

Find Help Idaho

Create A Payment Plan With Landlord

Landlords often want to keep tenants, and many will be understanding. Consider:

What's the most you can pay now?

What payment plan suits you?

Use the resources below to talk to your landlord about it.

Helpful Links:

Fillable Payment Plan Template

Budgeting Resources (WaFd)

Questions to Ask While Looking At Your Budget

Ask Your Community For Help

It might feel tough, but it's crucial—talk to your community. Ask family and friends for support, not just money but also for connections to discounts, benefits, or help with things like childcare and groceries. Community and church groups can also be useful.

I got an eviction court summons.

If you’ve received an official eviction court summons, use the Emergency Rental Assistance application to join our waitlist.

apply for waitlist

Apply For Emergency Funds

Apply for Jesse Tree assistance if you live in Ada or Canyon County.

Jesse Tree can't promise help to everyone, but our eviction court team will try to get involved in your court case if possible.

Jesse Tree’s eviction court team are not attorneys and cannot represent you, but they can help advocate for you during mediation on your court date in Ada County, or pre-court mediation before your court date in Canyon County.

Helpful Links:

Emergency Rental Assistance Application

Jesse Tree Programs Process

Tips for Avoiding Eviction

Emergency Assistance FAQ's

Idaho Eviction Process

We know it's scary not knowing what happens next in a serious legal process. Download our free resources that explain the Idaho Eviction Process in simple words. It helps you know how much time you have to prevent getting an eviction on your record.

Helpful Links:

Idaho Eviction Process

Landlord Tenant Manual

Ada County: What to Expect in Eviction Court

Canyon County: What to Expect in Eviction Court

Landlord/Tenant Lockout Process

Forward Submission Email To Landlord

If you live in Ada or Canyon County, once you fill out Jesse Tree's form, you'll join the waitlist. You'll get an email confirming when it was sent.

Forward this to your landlord to show you're working on multiple solutions, like applying to Jesse Tree to pay overdue rent. Applying to Jesse Tree should never be the ONLY thing you’re doing to get caught up on your past-due rent, so make sure you’re trying everything you can to get that past-due balance down!

Helpful Links:

Tips for Avoiding Eviction

Emergency Assistance FAQ's

Budgeting Resources (WaFd)

Apply For Further Assistance

There are programs in the Treasure Valley that might help you. If one can't, there are others as a backup plan.

Helpful Links:

Find Help Idaho

Show Up To Your Hearing

No matter what, show up to your court hearing. If you do not appear in court during your court date, you will get a default eviction judgment on your record.

If you are unable to connect with Jesse Tree before your hearing, make sure you still go to court.

Ask Your Community For Help

It might feel tough, but it's crucial—talk to your community. Ask family and friends for support, not just money but also for connections to discounts, benefits, or help with things like childcare and groceries. Community and church groups can also be useful.

I need new housing.

Learn The Process

Take the steps to find the rental you want.

Helpful Links:

How to Get a New Rental

Consider Becoming a Roommate

Budgeting Resources (WaFd)

Explore Local Housing

If you have specific accommodations (HCV, felonies, etc.), you can reach out to a local agency for a list of housing options in your area.

Helpful Links:

Search Idaho Housing

Facebook Marketplace

Search Apartments

Our Path Home

CATCH

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities

Get free resources that explain tenant rights, landlord rights, and the Idaho Eviction Process in simple words. It'll help you feel sure about your next steps. To be protected, you must have a signed lease agreement.

Helpful Links:

Idaho Eviction Process

Reasonable Accommodation Request Guide

Example: Lease Agreement

Example: Month-to-Month Lease

Landlord/Tenant Lockout Process

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Jesse Tree help me pay my rent?

If you have received a 3-day eviction notice or an eviction court summons in ADA or CANYON county, Jesse Tree may be able to financially assist you with your overdue rent. If you have received either of these, you will need to fill out an application to be added to the waitlist so that your case can be reviewed. Filling out an application does not guarantee financial assistance.

What should I do if I receive a 3-day eviction notice?

Landlords are required to follow a legal court process to evict tenants with a valid lease agreement. If you have not resolved the issue within 3 days, the landlord can file for eviction in court. Once filed, a hearing is scheduled within 5 to 12 days. Because it is up to the landlord to take that next step, you should try to find a solution as quickly as possible to avoid your landlord filing for the eviction. Consider talking to your landlord to let them know your situation, set up a payment plan, look for extra income, or explore other options like adding a roommate to your living situation to help share costs.

Do I have to attend eviction court?

Yes, please make sure that you attend eviction court. Follow the instructions outlined in your court summons to find out how to attend your hearing. Failure to appear in court will result in a default judgment on your record.

Does Jesse Tree pay security deposits?

As of January 1st, 2023, Jesse Tree no longer pays for security deposits.

If you have children under the age of 18 in the household, you can call Navigation Services at 2-1-1 (Idaho Care Line) and ask to speak to a Navigator about security deposit assistance.

Can Jesse Tree pay late fees or utility bills?

Depending on the circumstances, Jesse Tree may be able to financially assist with late fees or utility bills. If Jesse Tree is unable to help financially, they can help connect you with other organizations who may be able to help you cover those bills. You could also ask your landlord to consider waiving the fees.

Will Jesse Tree pay my rent today?

Jesse Tree’s timeline depends on the need and urgency of each household, but we typically do not provide same-day rental assistance. It usually takes 1–2 weeks for a tenant on the waitlist to be assigned a case manager. However, if you have an eviction court summons, we can often help within 1–2 business days of your court date.

I know I will not be able to pay my rent next month, can Jesse Tree help?

Jesse Tree is unable to help you pay your rent early. The Tenant Resource Center is always available to talk through your situation and help come up with strategies you might be able to try. We always recommend talking with your landlord and discussing a possible payment plan.

If I have already been to eviction court, can Jesse Tree pay my rental arrears (past due rent)?

It is best to contact Jesse Tree BEFORE your court date so that we have the opportunity to work with you and your landlord and potentially get the case dismissed. However, if you have already been to court and have a mediation agreement, do your best to follow that agreement to avoid getting an eviction on your record.

What happens after eviction court?

If you reach an agreement with your landlord in court, it is essential to follow its terms. If you do not, a default judgment will be issued against you. If the judge rules against you, you may be required to leave your home within 72 hours. Try and seek help before your court date. Reach out to Jesse Tree as soon as possible and we will try to help you resolve the situation.

We are dedicated to keeping our neighbors housed.