When Chandler reached out to 603 Legal Aid, his eviction hearing was less than 48 hours away.
The 29-year-old Marine Corps veteran lives with his girlfriend and two young children in a large Nashua apartment complex. His landlord was seeking to evict the family after Chandler’s two dogs had momentarily escaped through a screened window but had caused no harm.
Chandler had secured the screen so it wouldn’t happen again. But he also told 603 Legal Aid something else that raised an important question about the eviction.
Over the previous year, Chandler had repeatedly complained to management about conditions at the property, including maintenance issues. Just weeks before receiving the eviction notice, he had complained after his child slipped in an icy, untreated parking lot.
603 Legal Aid advised Chandler that he could raise a defense that the eviction had been brought in retaliation for his good-faith complaints about conditions at the property.
There was just one problem: Chandler wasn’t confident that he could explain that legal argument on his own in court the next morning.
So 603 Legal Aid helped him put it in writing.
Working with Chandler, the legal aid team helped him prepare his defense on the court’s motion form and explained how to file it and provide a copy to the landlord’s attorney before the hearing.
The next day, Chandler walked into court prepared to advocate for himself.
And he defeated the eviction.
When 603 Legal Aid followed up personally with Chandler, he was surprised, relieved and deeply appreciative.
“You guys are awesome,” he said.
For Chandler and his family, a little legal help at exactly the right moment meant they could remain in their home.
This is what access to justice looks like.
Through its Hope for Heroes program, 603 Legal Aid helps New Hampshire veterans understand their rights and navigate civil legal problems that can threaten their housing and stability. Support for the NH Campaign for Legal Services helps make that work possible. Donate today to support civil legal aid for Granite Staters in need.
