Right to Counsel (Housing)
Definition
Guaranteed legal representation for tenants facing eviction, similar to criminal defense. New York, San Francisco, and other cities provide free lawyers for low-income tenants. Dramatically reduces evictions and homelessness.
Louisville Context
In Louisville, landlords far more often have lawyers at eviction hearings than tenants do. Result: families lose housing even for fixable issues (temporary financial crisis, landlord retaliation, uninhabitable conditions). Cities with right to counsel report fewer evictions and less homelessness. I implement right to counsel: free lawyers for tenants below 200% poverty line facing eviction.
Why It Matters
Eviction hearings are legal proceedings, but tenants face them alone while landlords have lawyers. One eviction can trigger cascading crises: job loss, homelessness, family separation, school disruption. Legal representation prevents unjust evictions and homelessness.
My Proposal
Implement right to counsel: provide free legal representation for tenants below 200% poverty line facing eviction. Fund through Housing Trust Fund, partnering with legal aid organizations.