Rentwise! Chapter Four -- Judgement/Garnishment

You will have 10 business days after your court date to pay the amount awarded by the court to the landlord. This may include back rent, late fees (not to exceed 10% of rent owed), cost of damages (if it exceeds your deposit), and at least one-third of the landlord's attorney fee and court costs (which usually add another $250 or so to your bill).

If the judgment isn't satisfied, the landlord can garnishee your wages, which means he has the right to have your employer deduct the amount of the judgment from your paycheck. Some employers will fire an employee if this happens.

Payment Plan to Avoid Garnishment

If you don't have the money to satisfy the judgment, ask the clerk of General Sessions Court to file a motion to make affordable payments to the court at regular intervals. You must sign an affidavit swearing that you are unable to pay by other means. You'll need to show proof of income (recent paycheck stub) and a list of monthly bills as proof of poverty. If this motion is granted, your wages won't be garnisheed as long as you make payments as promised.

back to the table of contents