Written by: Elizabeth Hurley, Legal Director of WFP
A woman and her family faced imminent eviction after a default judgment was entered against them. Her landlord alleged she owed nearly $5,000.00 in arrears when in fact she had overpaid by two months and was entitled to a credit.
A default judgment is a court ruling in favor of a plaintiff when the defendant fails to respond, appear, or defend against a legal claim within the prescribed time.
We successfully moved to vacate the default judgment and, after several trial appearances in which client’s payment history was established, the landlord agreed to voluntarily dismiss the case. Our client and her family were able to avoid eviction and protect their home.
An eviction notice doesn’t always tell the whole story.
Payment records, court documents, and the details of a case can make all the difference.
This case is a reminder that when your home is at risk, don’t assume the landlord’s claims are correct, and don’t face the process alone.
Knowing your rights can change the outcome.