Portland, OR asked in Landlord - Tenant and Libel & Slander for Oregon

Q: I rent a room. Was served restraining order removing me from home. How do I respond? Only have 30 days. I live in Dayton

Respondent says I tried to push her down stairs, causing her to fear for her safety. She told me" all I have to do is say you hit me and you will be forced to move".

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered

A: I'm sorry to hear you are dealing with this difficult situation. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Seek legal assistance: Contact a local legal aid organization or a private attorney who specializes in landlord-tenant law and restraining orders. They can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process.

2. Gather evidence: Collect any evidence that supports your side of the story, such as witness statements, text messages, emails, or audio/video recordings (if legally obtained).

3. Attend the court hearing: You will have an opportunity to present your case and evidence at the hearing. Your attorney can help you prepare and represent you in court.

4. Consider filing a response: You may be able to file a written response to the restraining order, explaining your side of the story. Your attorney can advise you on this.

5. Explore alternative housing options: If the restraining order is upheld, you may need to find a new place to live. Look into local housing assistance programs, shelters, or staying with friends or family temporarily.

6. Document any belongings: If you are forced to leave, make a list and take photos of your belongings in the rental. Arrange with your landlord or the court to retrieve your possessions.

Remember, it's crucial to have proper legal representation to protect your rights and help you navigate this process. Contact legal aid or a local bar association for referrals to attorneys who can assist you.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.