Hurricane Ida has resulted in a break for renters facing eviction. Governor John Bel Edwards' eviction moratorium prohibits evictions through September 24.
It prevents landlords from declaring a rental property "abandoned," when the tenant may be evacuated. Austin Badon, Clerk of New Orleans First City Court, says it would still benefit tenants to get in touch with their landlords.
"They need to immediately communicate to their landlords that they have not abandoned the property," Badon explained. "Those things that's in there are their possessions. Do not remove anything from the property."
Badon said landlords shouldn't make a move against tenants unless it's through the courts.
"There's case law that says that that is not the right thing to do and they can be held legally responsible," said Badon. "They should-- landlords should actually utilize the court, so don't take the law into your own hands."
He says New Orleans First City Court is set to reopen Sep. 20.