(Photo not that of the client. Name changed for privacy.)
“Chanel,” 72, was living in a privately owned HUD multifamily complex when her landlord retroactively increased her rent and threatened eviction if she did not pay in full. Fearing she would end up homeless, Chanel turned to JALA, where attorney Mollie Stewart handled her case. When increasing a tenant’s rent, HUD requires all participating landlords to follow certain procedures, including proper notice of rent changes. Despite failing to follow HUD’s requirements regarding re-certification of income and notice of rent changes, the complex claimed that Chanel owed nearly $6,000. Stewart engaged with the landlord on Chanel’s behalf, and the landlord ultimately agreed to properly set Chanel’s rent portion and forgive all outstanding charges stemming from the deficient notice. As a result, Chanel’s worst fears were never realized, and she continues living in her apartment at an affordable rent.
