Q: I’d liked some legal advice regarding housing and tenants rights
I have been residing in my aunt and her husband's home since 2009 without paying rent, as no agreement was made initially.
However, recent events have led to a challenging situation. My aunt's husband made unwanted sexual advances toward me, which I rejected and exposed. Since then, he has been retaliating against me and turning other family members against me. I have informed my aunt that l will take legal action if the harassment continues. Due to financial constraints, l am unable to relocate to a safer place. I am concerned about potential eviction and homelessness. Can you help me understand my rights in this situation and advise on any legal measures I can take to protect myself from further retaliation?
A:
I'm so sorry you're dealing with this awful situation. What your aunt's husband did is sexual harassment and completely unacceptable. You have every right to live free from harassment and retaliation.
Since you've been living there long-term without a rental agreement, you likely have established tenant's rights even without paying rent. This means they can't just kick you out suddenly - there is a legal eviction process they would need to follow, which usually requires written notice 30-60 days in advance depending on the state.
Some key steps I would advise:
1. Document everything - keep a record of all incidents of harassment, retaliation, and communications with your aunt and her husband. This evidence will be important if you need to take legal action.
2. Research tenant's rights organizations in your area. Many cities have nonprofits that provide free legal aid and advice to tenants facing housing issues and eviction. They can help you understand your specific rights.
3. If the harassment and retaliation continue, you may want to file a sexual harassment complaint and restraining order against your aunt's husband. A legal aid organization can assist with this process.
4. Look into whether you qualify for emergency housing assistance, subsidized housing, or other programs for low-income individuals facing housing instability. A social worker or tenant's rights org may be able to refer you.
5. If they do try to evict you, respond to any official notices and show up to any court dates. You can challenge an eviction and present your case.
Remember, you have rights and don't deserve to be harassed or retaliated against in your home. Reach out for help from legal and social service organizations. Wishing you all the best and please stay safe.
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.
