When you spend time getting to know Ashley*, her passions for the arts, makeup, and singing shine through.
Ashley had been having issues with her housing, so she began working with a Blue Mountain Action Council (BMAC) Coordinator in the Rapid Rehousing Program. Through that program, Ashley and her partner entered a lease with a local property management company. Within the month, they realized that the lease contained unfair charges and provisions not discussed in previous conversations with the property management. This was the first time Ashley had entered into a leasing agreement, and she was unsure how to move forward.
Following changes in the Residential Landlord Tenant Act, there have been recurring issues of landlords statewide that are not adhering to policy updates pertaining to income discrimination, rent repayment/acceptance of third-party rental assistance, and making timely repairs – the latter being a major problem in Ashley’s tenancy.
Due to Ashley’s inexperience as a tenant and this being her first rental, her new issues seemed overwhelming. Ashley faced a number of unaddressed repairs and habitability issues, including a broken stove, a toilet that would not flush, and a shower drain that would not clear. Further, the landlord would enter her unit without notice or permission. After reporting the state of her housing conditions to her BMAC coordinator, they connected Ashley with LCYC.
““I felt alone like I didn’t have any help or family, but when BMAC connected me with Sandy at LCYC, I knew I wasn’t alone and had a sense of security. “”
Ashley began working with LCYC Supervising Attorney, Sandy García. Sandy reached out to the property management company to begin negotiations, and advocate for Ashley and her partner to improve their housing conditions and address the issues with their lease. Fortunately, the property management did not take long to agree with Ashley’s position given Sandy’s legal arguments. Ashley and her partner were able to terminate their term lease early without incident and received their full security deposit back.
Another recurring issue seen with landlords and property managers is denying the return of tenants’ security deposits with no cause. Without receiving the security deposit back, it is often hard for young people to afford the new fees required to secure a new place, leaving them with nowhere to go. The impact of one setback or one contentious landlord can cause a ripple of effect of issues and be devastating.
Fortunately, this was not Ashley’s situation. Ashley and her partner have obtained different housing, which has been a much more positive experience and she has been able to thrive. Ashley strives to be happy, healthy, maintain safe and stable housing, have a family, and pursue her passions.
*The client’s name has been changed to protect their privacy. LCYC was given permission to share their story.