When Paula came to 603 Legal Aid, an eviction hearing was just days away.
The 33-year-old Manchester resident had fallen behind on rent, but help was available: City Welfare had agreed to provide enough rental assistance to bring her current. Her landlord, however, refused to accept the payment.
Paula knew it was time to find a new place to live. What she needed was enough time to move on her own terms, without an eviction judgment making that fresh start even harder.
That’s where legal aid made the difference.
After speaking with Paula, 603 Legal Aid discovered an important detail: another unit in her building participated in the federal Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. Because the property benefited from this federal housing subsidy, federal law required the landlord to provide at least 30 days’ notice before beginning a nonpayment eviction. Paula had received only 10 days.
603 Legal Aid prepared a motion challenging the eviction and advised Paula to connect with New Hampshire Legal Assistance at its eviction clinic at Manchester District Court.
With Paula’s permission, the two legal aid organizations coordinated on her case. At court, an NHLA attorney used the motion prepared by 603 Legal Aid to negotiate an agreement that gave Paula the time she needed to move. The landlord agreed to forgive her entire rental arrearage, waive September’s rent, and dismiss the eviction without a judgment if she moved by September 15.
For Paula, the outcome meant more than winning time.
“All of you have been so helpful and kind,” she said. “You made it possible for me to get a fresh start.”
This is what access to justice looks like. By supporting the NH Campaign for Legal Services, donors help make this kind of collaboration between 603 Legal Aid and New Hampshire Legal Assistance possible: giving Granite Staters the legal help they need when housing, safety and stability are on the line.
Stories like this are possible because of our supporters. Donate today to support civil legal aid for Granite Staters in need.
