just found out house is illegal

I’m not sure who’s doing the evicting–the landlord or the township. If the township & for health reasons, you can find out exactly why; like if you’re not supposed to drink the water, you can tell them you can buy bottled water. If the landlord, then he usually must give you 30 days notice in writing before filing for eviction. If he didn’t do this, the judge may dismiss the case until this is done. (But check the laws in your state and local community) Either way, judges often give you a reasonable amount of time to move… although a month may be asking for a lot. This is a case where you should DEFINITELY contact an attorney (even if just for a free consultation), who should help tell you what documents to bring to court, what to say, etc.

Hmmm… You can ask, but don’t expect too many favors from court.

My suggestion is to do the following:

Without sounding whiny or annoying explain to the Judge that you had no idea the home was not a legal rental and due to no fault of yours are being forced out. Then, take it a step further and tell the court you are willing to fully cooperate but would like to request a reasonable time-frame to find a new rental unit.

ITS VERY IMPORTANT that you don’t say anything about losing your job or being behind on your rent. That will not make the Judge sympathetic, it will instead give him more reason to have you evicted quickly. Since you are being evicted by the city and not the landlord, keep the argument simple and that is that this is completely out of your control and that you are the victim being forced out for the ill actions of my landlord who willingly rented me a property that wasn’t legal.

I hope that helps! Let us know how it turns out.

yes you can speak to the landlord and ask for one to stay but it will be up to him if he allows you to stay but if it is court ordered that you must leave then you have to go the landlord will not put himself in danger of prison and fines and lots of legal issues but if it is court order that you have to leave and he agrees to let you stay get it in writing or record the conversation with the whole agreement know your rights to protect your self as a tenant but also know that even if you get the landlord to agree and give it to you in writing or record the conversation you know that even if he agrees you are breaking the law also breach of orders witch you and the landlord with pay with fines most likely .

What happened in this case?

What did the judge say? I will really be surprised if they allowed you to occupy the place any longer than the eviction date, rent is due, you were behind, the rest is pretty much meaningless.