Evictions can be a traumatic time for thousands of families facing this situation in California. Some cases are arbitrary and alternatives can be sought to stay at home.
But, in cases where the tenant has done something that was prohibited in their lease, especially if the landlord has proof of it, it is more difficult to defend it in court.
Despite the efforts of tenant advocacy organizations, evictions in Southern California happen daily, as is the case with street vendor Andrea Rosales.
But, when asked, do you know what to do in case you are presented with an eviction order?” Rosales assured that “I wouldn’t know what to do.
First of all, you should keep in mind that the eviction notice must be in writing and is not valid if given orally.
But if you receive written notice, it is the tenant’s responsibility to respond quickly and with legal assistance if possible.
Jennifer Baez-Silva of the Legal Aid Foundation in Los Angeles said “you have to call a lawyer” and added that “if you don’t do anything you’ll be in more trouble because you’ll have a trial after three days” .
However, community tenants’ rights organizations advise you not to justify your eviction by violating something in your lease.
“You always have to be guided by the contract. It says what you have, what you don’t have, but if it’s not in the contract, you have to defend your rights,” said Eva Garcia of Colectivo Poder Comunitario Tenants.
Some of the violations that could get you in trouble are very common, like saying you can’t have parties or have guns on the property.
In addition, the number of people occupying the property must not exceed what is agreed in writing in the contract.
And now that the protections offered during the pandemic are over, don’t fall behind on your rent because that could be a reason to start the eviction process.
If you believe an eviction was unfair, you can request information in Spanish and legal representation at the StayHousedLA.Org website. There they can guide you with legal assistance or contacts with community organizations to investigate your case.
If your landlord has filed an eviction request, you only have five business days to file a response.
Remember to follow what your lease says as a tenant and don’t find excuses to make it easier for your landlord to evict.
Do you have questions about tenant rights?
On Wednesday, April 26, Telemundo 52 and NBC4 will have an open call bank to answer all your questions about tenant rights.
Dozens of people will answer your questions and doubts about the laws that support you. Experts who speak English and Spanish will be available to help you.
Don’t forget, just dial 855-622-5248 this Wednesday, April 26, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.