December 2024 - Housing Wrapped Edition
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Welcome Note
Highlights of Housing News in 2024
Did You Know…
In 2024, our Fair Housing project received over 120 inquiries from residents and referrals, who faced discrimination in housing and were seeking to exercise their rights and protections.
In 2024, Florida Legal Services delivered 63 community presentations to over 1,600 attendees, where we discussed housing rights, discrimination, and how to access resources.
As of July 1, 2024, thanks to a decade of unwavering support from legal aid attorneys and community advocates, through the Florida Supreme Court’s approval every county now provides tenants with the "Answer - Residential Eviction" form. This form is designed for use in all tenant eviction cases, empowering renters to respond accurately.
Additionally, starting on January 13th 2025, HUD’s 30 Day Notification Requirement prior to the termination of the lease for nonpayment of rent rule goes into effect. This is a BIG win for tenants in subsidized housing. The rule will cover all project-based rental assistance dwellings that are assisted by HUD funding, all public housing, but does not include tenant-based Housing Choice Vouchers, HUD-VASH Vouchers, or LIHTC housing.
So What Does It All Mean?
Our Fair Housing and Eviction Prevention teams are out in the community making sure people know their rights. We hope no one ever faces discrimination or the eviction process but if you are faced with these difficult situations, there are legal advocates available to help.
Prior to the Florida Bar publishing the Answer Form, tenants did not have the proper guidelines or access to the exact defenses required when responding to an eviction case. Now, with this Answer Form readily available, tenants have a fighting chance at defending their eviction case on legitimate legal grounds.
Essentially, this will require public housing agencies (PHAs) and owners of properties receiving project-based rental assistance (PBRA) to provide written notification to tenants facing eviction for nonpayment of rent 30 days prior to filing an eviction.
What Can We Do?
Outreach efforts from Florida Legal Services are crucial for assisting vulnerable families, helping them avoid displacement during challenging times. The Eviction Prevention and Fair Housing teams are committed to supporting families in Alachua County by offering guidance, legal aid, and educational workshops on tenant rights to prevent evictions and support stable housing for all families in the community.
For organizations interested in scheduling a workshop on tenant rights or learning more about legal protections for families, please contact Marissa Latimer at marissa.latimer@floridalegal.org and Pia Molina at pia.molina@floridalegal.org for all Fair Housing educational workshops and materials.
If you have any questions regarding your lease or further guest policies in Florida, please call 888-780-0443 to speak with an attorney for free.
Community Outreach
Upcoming Outreach Events
What We’ve Been Up To
Released Reentry Open House
Outreach Coordinators, Pia Molina and Marissa Latimer, attended the opening for Released Reentry’s physical location in Gainesville. It was great to support this important community effort happening in Gainesville and to all the wins Released Reentry has had so far.
This month our fair housing team presented on the intersection of Fair Housing protections for domestic violence survivors for the Apartment Association of Greater Orlando (AAGO).. This presentation is part of our ongoing and dynamic relationship with AAGO to bring fair housing information to housing providers and professionals.
Another Way Inc. Fair Housing and Domestic Violence Protection
lmost the entire Fair Housing team got the chance to present on the intersection between fair housing and domestic violence for the Another Way team this month. It was a great time getting to provide information to a team that covers many counties, including some in our service area. Thanks again for having us at your holiday meeting.
Rural Women’s Health Project Legal Clinic
Marissa and Pia presented fair housing and eviction prevention information in Spanish! There was a great turn out and we were pleased to be included with other legal advocates providing information for the migrant community in Gainesville.
After School Holiday Party Tabling
One of our last holiday themed events was participating at the Westside Park After School Program’s holiday party. Marissa and Pia got the chance to share fair housing and eviction prevention resources with participating families while also enjoying their holiday festivities.
Trenton Farm Share
As part of our ongoing efforts to have a presence and trust in rural communities in our service area, Fair Housing Outreach Coordinator, Pia Molina volunteered at the annual December Trenton Farm Share event spearheaded by the Gilchrist Prevention Coalition. It is always a wonderful time getting to share food and make sure every participating family takes something home.
Flagler Beach Rotary Club Presentation
On December 19th, attorneys Pablo Hereter and Joseph Cordova spent the morning with the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach, delivering information about the Fair Housing Act and engaging in great discussion with club members. Our partners and network are always reminded that they are the eyes and ears of our community and account for a significant portion of our referrals.
Greater Faith Fellowship Church
During this month’s Know Your Rights presentation, the Eviction Prevention team presented to the Greater Faith’s congregation and provided a one-on-one legal clinic with our attorney, Denise Bezick. We’d like to thank Bishop Dixon for hosting us and providing a space to share our free legal services to his community.
Alachua County Eviction Prevention Legal Clinic - If you have a housing or legal question that you would like to consult an attorney about, please join us January 13th , 2025 from 11am-1pm at One Health Family located on 1725 SE 1st Ave, Gainesville, FL 32641. You can speak to an attorney for FREE. The Eviction Prevention team will also be at the Clerk of Court’s Self Help Library Jan. 28th Tuesday from 9:30am-11:30am, if you have any questions or concerns, stop by!
Tenants’ Rights Workshops - The Alachua County Eviction Prevention team is hosting FREE monthly legal clinics “Know Your Rights As A Renter” at public locations throughout the county. Join us this month January 28th, 2025 from 12pm-2pm at the Center for Independent Living (CIL) located on 222 SW 36th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32607. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear advice and ask questions of experienced housing attorneys.
Alachua County Eviction Prevention Helpline - CALL: 888-780-0443
This helpline aimed at serving Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) recipients and other members of the Alachua community is up and running! Helpline operators are accepting phone calls regarding housing, landlord-tenant issues, child support, or any other legal issue faced by low-income Alachua County renters. Callers will be connected with an attorney who can provide legal assistance over the phone and in some cases, direct legal representation. EMAIL TO JOIN MAILING LIST FOR UPCOMING FREE LEGAL CLINIC!
The federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) protects you from discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status. This applies to renting, buying, mortgages, appraisals, insurance, and looking for a place to live.
IF YOU THINK YOU’VE BEEN THE VICTIM OF HOUSING DISCRIMINATION, PLEASE CONTACT US AT:
407-801- 4224 (English)
850-680-1729 (Spanish)
fairhousing@floridalegal.org
www.floridalegal.org/fairhousing
IF YOU ARE AN ALACHUA COUNTY RESIDENT FACING BARRIERS TO HOUSING OR AN EVICTION, PLEASE CALL AND FOLLOW THE PROMPTS TO REACH A LIVE ALACHUA COUNTY OPERATOR:
888-780-0443 (English and Spanish)
www.floridalegal.org/evictionprevention
The work that provided the basis for this publication was supported by funding under a grant with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The author and publisher are solely responsible for the accuracy of the statements and interpretations contained in this publication. Such interpretations do not necessarily reflect the views of the Federal Government.