Most of the protections for tenants put in place during the pandemic have ended, because of this, tens of thousands of landlords have started evicting their tenants, but a lawyer has made it his mission to help these people in their teaching the laws that still protect them.
Erika Zurflueh’s landlord tried to evict her a few months ago when she lost her job and fell behind on her rent.
“It’s my obligation to pay rent every month and I knew I was going to be able to pay it eventually, but I was struggling,” said Zurflueh, a tenant.
Erika has already paid off her rent and in accordance with LA’s COVID-19 protections, she has until next March to pay any outstanding rent.
So in an attempt to evict her, she says the landlord used a different tactic, asking for a new $10,000 security deposit, which is 10 times her current deposit.
“It was definitely very stressful,” Zurflueh said.
People who owe their tenants could be evicted, but certain rules prevent them from ending up on the streets.
Zurflueh went to the non-profit organization Eviction Advocacy Network ask for help.
Attorney Popp claims that the security deposit demanded from Erika is illegal.
“We have not been able to help 9 out of 10 tenants who are threatened with eviction. It hurt me to turn people down, so we started this program called Tenant Empowerment Programsaid attorney Popp.
Popp Lawyer offers free seminars three times a week so tenants know their rights.
“Through videos and lessons, we teach them how to represent themselves, we teach them the laws,” Popp added.
Attorney Popp wants tenants to be successful when they go to court.
“On the day of their hearing, they text us and we text them to the people we can’t represent,” Popp added.
Two hundred and fifty tenants like Erika have benefited from these courses, and so far only one has not been successful.
“Before, I would have been terrified of going to court, but Elena makes you feel very safe,” Zurflueh said.
Zurflueh was able to participate in jury selection and made opening statements, on her own. At the last minute, attorney Popp decided to represent Erika, and her landlord dismissed the case.
“All that hard work has paid off, it’s amazing,” Zurflueh said.
If you have received an eviction notice, Attorney Popp advises you to go immediately to Stay in LA and there they will put you in touch with the legal services program. He also encourages them to sign up for his free seminars.