Eviction ​“Answers” Reveal Renters’ Struggles

This article is from New Haven, Connecticut about their surge in evictions. What’s most poignant is the statement, “In the ​“Answer” forms that tenants are asked to fill out when they respond to an eviction filing, three blank lines are allotted for ‘additional reasons why I should not be evicted.’” In Indiana, not only do we not ask that question, but our system also actively avoids engaging with it. Since most of the “additional reasons” listed in the article are irrelevant in a purely legal sense and eliciting such stories would slow down the eviction assembly line quite a bit, most judges and landlord attorneys don’t want to hear these sad tales.

So not only are tenants not asked, if they try to explain their backstories many judges will shut them down saying, “Are you behind on your rent or not?”  I’ve heard from attorney’s representing evictees that, “… even we attorneys on the tenant’s side don’t systemically ask why either, because we are focused on potential legal arguments, a legitimate answer could be a very long one, and there are a lot of clients and hearings set all at once.”

In Indiana, no one ever asks, “why are you facing eviction?”

We offer these stories for those in Indiana who never get to tell their stories. These are real people, with real lives, who are losing their homes, their security, and in many cases their futures.

I’ve been looking. I need more time to move haven’t found a new place yet. I want to leave on good terms. I’m not denying myself from leaving I just need more time to find something.

Due to the pandemic, I had lost my job over the summer. I recently got a new job as of January (2022) and plan to start making all payments. I have a 20 month old and haven't been able to find a new place.

Since the 1st week of moving in there has been cockroaches that I can not get rid of. Called the office plenty of times, told guys that were at the building working and nothing. Also infestation of ants in bath room. Kitchen sink spits up water from drain ever so often. None of these have been addressed.

I'm not denying to pay the rent but me as a mother with five minor should not be going thru this when this apartment has LCI vilations and they was never met. I"ve been here for 2 years and the building was sold to this company and I was alwyas complaint about mouse infection wall ?? and I've been working with LCI and my kids worker from healthy head start for my kids. He was evicting me before but I had help from Unite CT has told him 4,800 and even ?? that his rent was always on time! And I don't think I should pay 1200 if nothing is being done. My kids safety is at risk!! LCI valation are not being met

We have applied for programs to help with our rent due to my husband being laid off. We are currently seeking employment and have 2 small children who reside with us.

Due to lack of work and loss of my father in April, I was unable to pay the rent. I also was awaiting response from United CT w/assistance with my rent and bills. Currently I'm with the New Reach Program where they are assitmeing me w/rental and eviction prevention.

Rent should not be increased, I have health problems because of this. Exasperating


Rabbi Aaron Spiegel

Aaron is GIMA’s Executive Director

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