Indiana Supreme Court Launches Settlement Program on Evictions

The Indiana Supreme Court Wednesday launched the Landlord and Tenant Settlement Conference, a free solution for renters to help them reach a resolution with their landlords before an eviction or foreclosure case is filed.

The problems keep piling up -- across the tri- state.

But tonight -- hoosiers --- struggling to pay the bills --- have a new option --- to help keep them off the streets.

A legal helping hand -- that will bridge the gap between tenants and landlords.

44news reporter valerie lyons --- takes a look at the program -- that could be the saving grace -- for so many.

After losing her job -- and months of economic uncertainty -- one evansville renter is looking for a solution-- "i've been praying, and i pray a lot, that the covid stuff ends really soon."

Hoping for a way to help pay the bills -- and keep her home.

"it's really hard, it's really hard when you have these bills and you don't have an income but you're trying and hoping really hard that somebody opens a door for you that will help you be able to save yourself."

And with the expiration on moratoriums earlier this month -- she says the threat of losing her home is looming closer.

But a new program launched wednesday by the indiana supreme court-- could be the solution she's been praying for.

The landlord and tenant settlement conference program is a free solution for renters to help them reach a resolution with their landlords before an eviction or foreclosure case is filed.

Those using the program will work directly with "facilitators" -- including registered mediators, attorneys and judges -- to help them through rental disputes-- an opportunity evansville leaders say -- will go long way in preventing a homeless crisis.

"i think that everybody wants to see that people stay in their homes, stay in their apartments, have their utilities stay on, so anything that we can do to help connect people to those resources we want to do."

And for renters like byrd -- still struggling in the pandemic -- this new option could help to avoid those worse case scenarios.

"you may be able to work out some kind of payments or something with the landlord to where you're able to save your home because once it hits the courts, it's too late--the eviction is going through."

Vl-44news