Tulsa Courts To Start Issuing New Resources To Prevent People From Losing Their Homes

Tulsa County Courts is trying to help people stay in their homes after the federal eviction moratorium came to an end over the weekend.

Renters can now be evicted if they are behind on their rent, but to prevent that from happening the Tulsa County Courts will start giving them a one-pager along with their Eviction Court Summons or eviction notice.

"With the eviction moratorium coming to an end it is more important than ever that we provide tenants with the information they need to remain in their homes," said Becky Gligo, executive director of Housing Solutions, which is leading the collaborative effort. "We are thankful for the court's assistance in helping provide information about resources for those involved in the eviction process."

The one-pager will list several resources to help connect renters and their landlords to eviction-prevention services. One of those resources includes in-person help at the Tulsa County FED Docket Social Services Hub, located at the Iron Gate near Archer and Denver in downtown Tulsa.

Social Service Hub partners include Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, the Landlord-Tenant Resource Center (Housing Solutions), Still She Rises, the Early Settlement Mediation Program, Tulsa County Courts, and the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, among others.

Even with this new resource, District Judge Doug Drummond said the courts will continue to give an objective and fair process in the courtroom based on the law. "But we think it's important that the parties have information that will allow them to resolve cases before they get to court, and, if a tenant does get evicted, providing them with access to resources that helps find them other housing," he said.

The Tulsa County District Courts plan to issue an administrative order to begin distributing the information with summons as soon as Monday, August 2.