August 14, 2023 by Clarissa Ayala
Lone Star Legal Aid Champions Tenant Rights: Over 100 Eviction Cases Dismissed
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Harris County, TX – August 14, 2023 – Lone Star Legal Aid (“LSLA”), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free legal services to underserved communities, has achieved a significant victory for tenants by securing the dismissal of over 100 eviction cases at Cabo San Lucas and Redford Apartments in Harris County.
In a remarkable demonstration of their commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of vulnerable individuals and families, LSLA successfully advocated for the dismissal of a large number of eviction cases that were pending against residents of Cabo San Lucas and Redford Apartments. The dismissal is a relief to numerous families facing the threat of homelessness due to challenging circumstances exacerbated by the ongoing global health crisis.
Each of the properties recently fell into foreclosure. Tenants had allegedly received notices to vacate filed by plaintiffs that LSLA argued were improper under Texas law. By skillfully navigating the legal complexities surrounding housing rights and eviction proceedings, LSLA was able to secure this momentous outcome. Several pro se tenants lost their trials before LSLA was called to argue for one of dozens of tenants it represented that day. Following multiple recesses requested by the Plaintiff-Landlord, the court indicated it would be ruling in favor of the Defendant-tenant. Ultimately, every Cabo San Lucas tenant-defendant that made an appearance – whether with or without representation – had their case dismissed on the plaintiff’s motion. Even the pro se tenants who had lost their trials earlier in the morning docket had their judgments reconsidered sua sponte (of one’s own accord; voluntarily) and their cases dismissed. Prior to hearing the Redford Apartment docket, the Court encouraged LSLA and apartment management to discuss the upcoming matters and defenses. Shortly thereafter, the apartment senior manager announced the complex asked to dismiss all its pending cases for the day, as well as recall all writs requested earlier in the week. LSLA’s efforts not only prevented the displacement of families, but also contributed to the broader effort to promote social equity, housing stability, and reduce homelessness within the community.
“One trial with tenant’s counsel influenced an entire court docket, impacting over 100 tenants and their families. This is precisely the significance of tenants having a right to counsel. Access to justice is a fundamental right that should be available to all members of society, regardless of their socioeconomic status,” stated Dana Karni, Litigation Director at Lone Star Legal Aid. “We are proud of the positive impact our work has had on the lives of these families and the community. This achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to creating a more just and equitable society.”
LSLA remains committed to its mission of providing essential legal support to those who need it most. With a strong belief in collective action, the organization continues to collaborate with community partners, legal experts, and volunteers to ensure justice is served and rights are protected.
Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit law firm focused on advocacy for low-income and underserved populations by providing free legal education, advice, and representation. LSLA serves millions of people at 125% of federal poverty guidelines, who live in 72 counties in the eastern and Gulf Coast regions of Texas, and 4 counties in Southwest Arkansas. LSLA focuses its resources on maintaining, enhancing, and protecting income and economic stability; preserving housing; improving outcomes for children; establishing and sustaining family safety, stability, health, and wellbeing; and assisting populations with special vulnerabilities, like those with disabilities, the aging, survivors of crime and disasters, the unemployed and underemployed, the unhoused, those with limited English language skills, and the LGBTQIA+ community. To learn more about Lone Star Legal Aid, visit our website at www.LoneStarLegal.org.
Media contact: media@lonestarlegal.org
