Imagine getting an eviction notice—with no warning and no cause.
It happens more often than you think, and for many tenants, the scariest part isn’t just losing their home—it’s having no one to fight for them in court.
In my conversation with Richard and Leah Rothstein, we discussed a heartbreaking story from Just Action: A community where tenants were being evicted without cause. Despite a few dedicated advocates knocking on doors and offering legal resources, most residents still lost their homes—because there simply weren’t enough people to help.
Why Tenant Evictions Are a Hidden Crisis
Here’s a fact that shocked me:
- In most U.S. cities, over 90% of landlords have legal representation during eviction cases.
- Meanwhile, less than 10% of tenants have a lawyer.
Think about that power imbalance. It’s no surprise that so many tenants lose their homes—even when the eviction is illegal.
Richard explained that tenants are often evicted for reasons like:
- Unsafe living conditions: Some renters are forced to live in homes that are falling apart. But when they refuse to pay until repairs are made, they get evicted.
- One missed payment: Without understanding their rights, many tenants don’t know they can fight an eviction if the landlord isn’t upholding their responsibilities.
A Solution That Works: Free Legal Counsel for Tenants
In Just Action, Leah highlights a program in Cleveland that’s making a real difference:
Cleveland’s Right to Counsel Program requires landlords to notify the local charity United Way when they file an eviction.
What happens next:
- United Way sends representatives directly to tenants’ homes.
- Tenants are informed of their right to free legal counsel.
- The program provides lawyers from the Legal Aid Society to represent them in court.
The result? Evictions dropped significantly, and more families stayed in their homes.
This program works because it:
1. Catches tenants before it’s too late—before their court date.
2. Provides legal help for free.
3. Levels the playing field against landlords with legal teams.
Why Every City Needs a Program Like This
According to Leah:
“This kind of program can be done anywhere. It just takes local advocacy and pressure on city governments.”
So, what can communities do to make it happen?
Step 1: Demand a Right to Counsel Ordinance
A city ordinance can guarantee free legal representation for tenants facing eviction. Several cities, including New York, San Francisco, and Philadelphia, have already adopted such programs—with promising results.
Step 2: Pressure Local Officials to Fund It
Programs like Cleveland’s often rely on partnerships with charities and legal aid organizations. But real change happens when cities commit public funds to ensure every tenant gets representation.
Step 3: Build Partnerships with Local Churches and Nonprofits
Faith-based organizations and nonprofits often have deep roots in the community. They can help spread awareness and connect tenants with legal aid programs.
Massachusetts: A Tenant-Friendly State (But Not Everywhere Is)
During our conversation, I mentioned that here in Massachusetts, we’re known for being a tenant-friendly state. It’s one of the reasons landlords often say it’s hard to operate here—because tenants have strong legal protections.
But what about other states? In places without those protections, tenants are often left on their own.
That’s why Leah urges people everywhere to:
- Start by calling 211, a state resource line that can connect tenants with housing assistance programs.
- Reach out to local churches, which often have partnerships with legal aid organizations.
- Contact tenant advocacy groups for guidance on their rights.
This Fight Needs People—Not Just Policies
I won’t lie—hearing Leah’s story about the failed eviction protests broke my heart. Despite the best efforts of a few dedicated advocates, too many tenants were evicted because there weren’t enough people to fight for them.
And that’s the hard truth:
“It’s not enough to have good programs. You need a movement behind them.” – Leah Rothstein
Eviction defense programs work, but they need people to:
- Knock on doors and educate tenants.
- Show up to council meetings and demand funding.
- Volunteer with local legal aid programs.
Watch the Full Conversation
Want to hear more about how Cleveland’s program works and how it can be a model for your community? Watch this section of our conversation here:
Video Timestamp: 00:21:03 - 00:29:40
In Part 6, we’ll tackle a tough question: If banks keep getting fined for discrimination but never change, how do we stop them?