Tenants’ Rights with Landlords

When a family facing eviction has legal representation, they are much more likely to achieve housing stability by keeping their home, having a transition period to move, or avoiding a homeless shelter. Legal aid “rent escrow" cases — through which a landlord can be ordered to make repairs -- improve the safety of affordable housing, reduce racial inequity, and have a positive impact for tenants and the community as a whole.

Legal Aid Strengthens Relationships

Case Study #1: Five university students, with support from an attorney at Legal Aid of Northeastern Minnesota (LASNEM), filed a rent escrow action against their landlord to demand repairs to their rented house and payment of utilities.

Case Study #2: The Wahs are overcoming significant life challenges as a Karen family of 10 who recently immigrated to the United States. They are learning English and literacy skills while spending approximately half of their income on housing alone. When water began entering their apartment, they were unable to get their landlord to repair the damage. Losing the ability to use one of their two bathrooms caused the family to suffer from poor mental health, particularly some of their children. They were extremely scared when they contemplated having to leave their apartment and felt they had no other housing options. Fortunately, their attorney at Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS) was able to negotiate with the property management company and assure the family that they could stay. SMRLS also compelled the landlord to repair the apartment and to provide rent abatement. The family is now back in their apartment, saving money, and building up their credit to achieve their dream of home ownership.

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