By Stefany Perez, HUD Certified Housing Counselor
A client contacted The Waterfront Project about living in an illegal apartment with poor conditions. After coordinating with the client to have the property inspected, it was confirmed that the unit was indeed illegal. I contacted the landlord and demanded relocation assistance on behalf of our client, as required due to the unit’s illegality. The landlord responded by hiring an attorney and ultimately agreeing to our request.
At that point, I involved our amazing, managing attorney, Barry, to review the negotiated settlement agreement, and made sure it was in our client’s best interest. As a result, the client vacated the property and in return received $11,100 in relocation assistance from the landlord.
We provide free legal representation to tenants facing eviction. We help families navigate housing counseling and resource referrals. We let clients learn and understand what their rights are as a tenant. And we advocate at every level of government to push for systemic change: stronger tenant protections, more deeply affordable units, and a right to counsel in eviction court.
We believe housing is a human right. Not a luxury. Not a lottery. Not a dream deferred.
Contact us today for assistance.