Without the assistance of LAWO housing attorneys and advocates, many families would lose their current housing with little or no hope of finding an alternative. Because the demand for decent, affordable housing far exceeds the current supply, a change in life circumstances such as job loss, illness, or loss of benefits could be the last step to homelessness for many low-income people.
LAWO provides help to families and individuals who are facing housing problems. In addition, clients receive assistance in enforcing their rights to safe, sanitary public and subsidized housing. LAWO attorneys may assist with:
Wrongful evictions;
Illegal lockout
Utility shut-offs;
Landlord-tenant disputes;
Public housing or Section 8 disputes;
Requests for repairs;
Security deposit disputes;
Foreclosures;
Housing discrimination; and
Other housing legal issues.
Legal aid wins Natalie* an appeal for fair housing.
Natalie's heart sank as she rummaged through what was left of her apartment after the fire. Not only were her belongings ruined and her home unlivable, Natalie had received a letter from the landlord informing her that she was no longer welcome. Natalie's troubles began when she lost one of her two part-time jobs. To pay the rent at the Section 8 housing complex, she took in a male tenant - a friend of a friend. The relationship quickly deteriorated when he began demanding sex from Natalie. She refused and made him leave the apartment. Soon after the confrontation, she came home to find smoke and flames pouring from her bedroom window.
Natalie came to LAWO for help. Her attorney filed a complaint against the complex and a motion for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against Natalie's former renter. While she was granted a TRO, the Court initially denied the preliminary injunction, stating that Natalie had breached her lease by housing an unauthorized tenant. The LAWO attorney appealed, arguing that under the law Natalie's tenancy had never been terminated prior to the fire. The Court reversed its decision and Natalie is back in her refurbished apartment.
