A single mother of two lived in unsafe conditions, including broken windows patched with cardboard and a peeling bathtub that posed a risk to her children as they were cutting their feet on the fragments. Feeling hopeless after poor communication with her landlord, she reached out to LADA for help.
LADA discovered the landlord spoke minimal English and was relying on a friend to manage communications. A LADA paralegal coordinated meetings between the tenant, landlord, and translator, facilitating a productive dialogue. As a result, the landlord repaired the electrical sockets, windows, and door. When the landlord refused to fix the bathtub, LADA advised the tenant to use Michigan’s “repair and deduct” law, which allows tenants to fix urgent issues and subtract the cost from their rent.
The client followed LADA’s advice and successfully addressed the issue herself. She expressed happiness and relief, finally able to enjoy a safe and comfortable home for her family.
LADA’s Consultation Aids Disabled Family
A disabled mother and her special-needs son lived in a rental home plagued by mold and flooding, forcing her to pile her belongings on surfaces to keep them dry. When her landlord failed to address the issues, she withheld rent, prompting an eviction notice. The landlord accused her of creating a health hazard and demanded she clear her belongings for mold treatment, a task impossible for her due to her health challenges.
LADA stepped in, representing her in two court cases: one for eviction and another for withholding rent. Although the landlord remained uncooperative, LADA negotiated a resolution that allowed the client to terminate her lease without financial penalty. The cases were dismissed, ensuring no eviction judgments appeared on her record, and LADA secured a waiver of all early lease termination fees.
With LADA’s support, the client found new housing in a healthier environment, free from mold and flooding. This advocacy not only removed her family from a toxic living situation but ensured her credit and rental history were protected for the future.
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