It’s an unfortunate reality, but thousands of people across the country are wrongfully evicted from their homes. Apartments, rental homes and even rental mobile homes aren’t immune to this problem. Landlords often believe that they have the ability to start the eviction process if they simply do not approve of the way you live. However, this couldn’t be any farther from the truth. And, while you can’t stop your landlord from starting the eviction process, you can actually fight a wrongful eviction and oftentimes win. Here are a few things you need to know if you feel as though you have been the victim of a wrongful eviction.
Ask an Attorney
One of the easiest and most effective things you can do to fight a wrongful eviction is to hire a Housing Authority Attorney. In some cases, doing so won’t cost you a dime because in some states, if you win your case, not only do you get to stay in your home, but the landlord will be required to pay your legal fees, including the retainer fee and all legal costs associated with the case. You can find a Municipal Attorney by conducting a simply Internet search or you can contact your local legal referral service and ask for a referral. Whichever approach you take, be sure that you are hiring an attorney that has experience in landlord-tenant litigation. This will improve your chances of winning your case.
In most cases, the attorney you choose will review your case for free and advise you as to how to proceed. If the attorney agrees to take your case, you will generally only be required to pay for his or her expenses until the case is decided, however it doesn’t always work that way, so be sure to ask.
Contact Your Local HUD Office
If you aren’t yet ready to hire an attorney and believe that you have a case that is covered under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) jurisdiction, then you might simply give them a call. Currently, HUD prohibits the discrimination against tenants on the basis of federally protected statuses such as religion, ethnicity, familial status, and so on. If you believe that you are being wrongly convicted because of the color of your skin or the religion you practice, HUD may be able to help you without ever setting foot into a courtroom.
In addition, you might consider talking to a housing authority attorney to ensure that you’re your rights are protected.
Regardless of the approach you take, you should take steps to let your landlord know that you are fighting the eviction. In some cases, this will be enough to stop him or her from following through with the eviction. However, you should also be ready to go to court in the event that they won’t cease the process. Wrongful evictions are terrible and cause disruption in the lives of your family members. Take steps to protect yourself and your family if you feel as though you are being wrongfully evicted.
If you are facing a wrongful eviction, contact the leading Housing Authority Attorney at Brinson Askew. Their experienced Municipal Attorney can help you fight your eviction.