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
90% of Louisville landlords have lawyers at eviction hearings; 90% of tenants don’t. Result: families lose housing even for fixable issues (temporary financial crisis, landlord retaliation, uninhabitable conditions). Cities with right to counsel show: 80% of represented tenants stay housed, saves $3 in homelessness services for every $1 in legal aid. Dave implements 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.
Dave’s 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.