Disabled Elderly Tenant of 31 Years Evicted Over $50
With LAFLA's help, he prevails.

Mr. W was living a quiet life in the same apartment he had rented for over 30 years. The 75 year-old African-American resident of the Venice neighborhood of Oakwood paid a very reasonable rent for the spacious two-bedroom apartment. Though disabled and unable to drive due to a paralyzed left hand, he managed to get by, walking to the familiar landmarks that defined his days—the market, the post office, the senior center, family, and friends.

Then, disaster struck.

In May, Mr. W was served with a lawsuit for eviction based on nonpayment of rent. Since he always paid his rent on time, he was confused and scared. He brought the eviction papers to his adult children, who also couldn't understand how he could owe rent, since they knew how diligently he paid. They called the management company. The company claimed that the rent had been raised in December and that Mr. W owed $50. The family offered to pay the $50, but the landlord refused. The landlord wanted the old man to move.

The family was sure that the judge would not evict their elderly, disabled father, and that justice would surely prevail. So they went to court - and lost. They were confused, scared, and outraged by the outcome. They turned to the Venice Community Housing Corporation (VCHC) for help. VCHC is a local community development corporation that works closely with LAFLA. VCHC contacted LAFLA, and told us the old man's story. VCHC was particularly concerned because the landlord owns many properties in Venice, and is a player in the massive gentrification sweeping across the Oakwood Community.

The next day, this elderly, disabled tenant went to Legal Aid's Eviction Defense Center. Represented by LAFLA attorney Christian Abasto, he went to court and filed an emergency application to stop the eviction and reinstate the tenancy because of extreme hardship. The landlord's attorney was at the court to fight the application. But after tough negotiations with Christian, the landlord backed down, opting to settle by stopping the eviction and leaving Mr. W in his home. Justice prevailed, but only with Legal Aid's help.

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