After she was late with rent, Priscilla’s* landlord accused her of smoking in the unit and threatened her with eviction. Priscilla knew no one in her apartment was smoking – and definitely not marijuana – it was just her and her young children. She was ready to go to court to defend herself rather than lose her apartment and be forced to move.
In Nebraska, a landlord must prove a pattern of late or missed rental payments to make an eviction. Priscilla and her kids have a Section 8 Housing voucher, federal rental assistance; any illegal activity on the premises and they could be removed with only a month’s notice.
Priscilla knew she had to do something. “It just didn't feel it was right to be accused of what I was accused of...I would suggest you put up a fight. Have proof that something was or wasn't happening, don’t just settle right away.”
Fortunately, a friend at CEDARS youth program recommended that she call Legal Aid of Nebraska. Priscilla found an attorney who was with her in court. They successfully had the eviction suit dismissed. She and her children would be able to stay in their home. She was also referred to Nebraska Emergency Rental Assistance to make sure she and her children had stability for the future.
Article by Melissa Amarawardana
* Client's name has been changed and stock image used to protect the client's privacy.
