Written By Stefany Perez, HUD Certified Housing Counselor
A senior citizen who has lived in her home since 2000, reached out to us after receiving a notice from their current landlord requesting that she vacate the property due to an upcoming sale. The prospective new owner indicated they intended to personally occupy the unit and initially requested she move out by January.
Given her long tenancy, also being a Section 8 recipient and the short time frame provided, we worked to advocate on her behalf. During the process, the current landlord advised they did not want to provide the security deposit because they did not have documentation from the previous sale confirming receipt of the deposit of $900.00. Unfortunately, the tenant also did not have it, nor did Section 8. They did not feel they needed to assist with relocation expenses.
We didn’t give up there and contacted the prospective new landlord’s attorney and directly discussed the issue at hand and advocated for our client. After communication and negotiations, the new ownership agreed to cover the tenant’s moving expenses and ensured that the security deposit would be returned to her when she turned over the keys.
Our Managing Attorney, Beryl, assisted in drafting a lovely settlement agreement which outlined the negotiated terms.
All parties involved were happy but primarily our client, a long-term resident and senior citizen, by obtaining both time and financial support needed to relocate with less hardship.
Why This Matters:
For seniors living on fixed incomes, an unexpected move can be financially and emotionally overwhelming. After more than two decades in her home, our client was suddenly faced with relocating on short notice, with uncertainty about whether she would recover her security deposit or receive any assistance with the costs of moving.
This case is about more than a landlord-tenant dispute; it is about ensuring that longtime community members are treated with fairness and dignity during major life transitions. By advocating for our client, The Waterfront Project was able to secure the financial support they needed to relocate without bearing the full burden alone.
Your support makes this work possible. Donations to The Waterfront Project allow us to stand besides seniors, families, and vulnerable residents when they face housing challenges, ensuring they have an advocate fighting for their rights and helping them navigate difficult transitions with dignity.
