Emily lived with her son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter. Having a mold problem and poor ventilation in their apartment, the family was concerned the conditions were causing the granddaughter’s chronic respiratory problems. The Justice & Diversity Center’s Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP) was able to assist Emily with the myriad of issues that come along with the neglected housing infrastructure.
Emily’s daughter-in-law first filed a complaint to her Landlord James to resolve the issues. In response to complaints, James came to inspect the apartment. He offered to move the family to a different unit while he removed the mold. However, he refused to solve the underlying ventilation issue. Removing the mold would only be a temporary fix. Therefore, the unsettling discussion led Emily to decide to move out after their lease expired.
Emily turned in the key when the family moved out. From there, the situation deteriorated. James later informed Emily that the family would be charged for unpaid rent of $2,729 for the upcoming month because they failed to submit a notarized letter 30 days prior to moving out.
Emily then reached out to the TAP for assistance with James’ claim of unpaid rent. TAP assists low-income tenants in San Francisco to avoid eviction by negotiating with landlords, rent boards, master tenants, and property managers.
A volunteer attorney investigated the claim and negotiated a mutual release of claims with James’ property manager. The property manager agreed to cancel the alleged debt if the family agreed not to sue or make legal claims. Both parties signed the release drafted by TAP, which resulted in the claimed unpaid rent being waived.
If you have concerns about rent disputes, housing conditions/repairs, disability accommodations, subsidy terminations, disputes with landlords or property managers, and other issues, TAP can help. TAP can also help tenants seek and obtain rental assistance for back rent and moving expenses (first and last month’s rent and security deposits). Contact TAP at tap@sfbar.org or call (415) 989-1616.
***If you are interested in volunteering for pro bono opportunities with TAP, email probono@sfbar.org and mention TAP in the subject line.***
