Nearly 400 tenants eduated on their rights so far...
by Sara Linck-Frenz, Hotline & Volunteer Coordinator
Though in many communities folks are fighting just to hold onto their homes, and throughout California the housing crisis grows, there are still things to celebrate. Over the last year our all-volunteer Tenants’ Rights Hotline has grown in numbers and in capacity. With eight new volunteer counselors making the team eleven in total, the hotline has been able to create a space for tenants to strategize against displacement and strengthen their voices in dissent against unjust rent increases, evictions, harassment and discrimination.
Since January of this year alone, counselors supported, encouraged and fought alongside 372 tenants in this interminable struggle for their rights. As the hotline crew grows in size, the hope is to continue growing in our knowledge of how best to support tenants throughout the state.
Having addressed over 100 eviction cases, 54 housing condition cases, 30 harassment and retaliation cases, and 192 others, counselors continue to learn from those who are most affected by displacement, and engage in an exchange of knowledge and energy that is vital to the survival of the fight for tenants’ rights.
Endless thanks to Bob, Samantha, Andrea, Tricia, Glenn, Lisa, Lucy,Matt, and Lupe for your tireless work and insurmountable resilience.
Richmond tenant clinic wins repairs, bolsters organizing campaign...
by Evelina Nava, Equal Justice Works legal fellow
One of the most exciting cases to emerge from our legal clinics is an affirmative habitability case involving 18 Richmond tenants who then joined the local tenants’ rights campaign. At one of our monthly renters’ rights meetings and clinics, a group of tenants shared their frustrations over rising rents while having their requests for much-needed repairs ignored for years.
Along with our organizer and Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, our community organizing partner, we arranged for house visits and follow-up meetings at the property. The building was in terrible condition—there was severe mold throughout the units, holes in the walls, rat infestations, leaking (including from a light socket), windows which could not close or lock (they were crooked due to misalignment with the window frames), inconsistent hot water that would suddenly scald tenants while showering, and numerous other substandard conditions. Some tenants expressed fear of landlord retaliation and harassment, but most tenants were anxious to finally obtain repairs.
And after years of neglect, repairs have finally started happening. Our partner organizers coordinated an action at the landlord’s office to request repairs; as part of their tenants' rights campaign, they highlighted the tenants’ situation to emphasize the need for stronger tenant protections. We co-counseled the case with Tenant Laywer Network members Steve Mcdonald and Jay Koslofsky. We are proud to have helped empower tenants to assert their rights and speak out against the injustices they have suffered.