- It is illegal for a landlord to evict you without a court order. You have a right to go to court and present your case before you can be evicted. It is important to get legal assistance before you go to court.
- If your application for public or subsidized housing has been denied, you have the right to appeal and get a hearing.
- If your landlord intends to convert your apartment building to condominiums you have rights under the state's Condo Conversion Law.
- If your application for a rent subsidy, such as a Section 8, has been denied or if an agency has threatened to terminate your rent subsidy, you have the right to appeal and get a hearing.
- It is illegal for a landlord to refuse to take a Section 8 without a good reason or to refuse to rent to families with children because there is lead paint in the house.
- Victims of domestic violence may qualify for emergency housing. Courts can order the person who is abusing you to leave your house.
- There are laws requiring landlords to make reasonable accomodations to give people with disabilities an equal opportunity to use and enjoy their housing.
- You have the right to live in housing that is safe and in good condition. There are steps you can take if your landlord doesn't make the repairs you need.
CLSACC provides free legal services for Cambridge Residents with low incomes in cases involving:
- evictions
- applications for public/ subsidized housing, including emergency applications
- getting and keeping rental subsidies (like Section 8)
- housing conditions
- housing discrimination
Our legal services include representation in court and at hearings, and advice before an eviction case has started. ACT NOW -- It is very important to get legal assistance before your landlord starts a court case.
If you are a CLSACC client, we can help you with non-legal issues, such as budgeting and filling out housing applications.
CLSACC also provides affordable counseling.
To get legal assistance
call CLSACC at (617) 661-1010
between the hours of 9 - 5,
Monday through Friday
