Free Legal Representation Available To WPB Residents Dealing With Landlord/Tenant Matters

From the City of West Palm Beach:

October 29, 2020

As part of its efforts to keep West Palm Beach residents educated about local aid and resources, the City informs community members of a new offering from Palm Beach County (PBC). PBC, a partner of the City, has launched its Rapid Response Eviction Assistance Project (RREAP) provide County residents with free legal representation and assistance in handling landlord/tenant matters and past due payments.

RREAP, made available through the County’s COVID-19 CARES Act funding, is designed to respond to the housing crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic by mediating disagreements between tenants and property owners. PBC’s Community Services Department has teamed up with the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc. and Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. to help renters who have received a three-day notice or demand for rent from their landlord, been served with an eviction lawsuit, or need help understanding the eviction process.

Through this program, parties will be able to construct payment plans, temporary rent reductions, deferred payments or other creative solutions to prevent evictions and ultimately homelessness. The legal services include:

• Pre-suit mediation between landlords and tenants
• Legal advice regarding the eviction process
• Referrals for rental assistance
• Preparation of responses to an eviction lawsuit
• Assistance in negotiating repayment plans
• Court representation

RREAP will be open from August 1 through December 30, 2020, and participants can receive up to $10,000 in rental assistance. Eligibility requirements for the program include:

• Rental unit must be located in PBC
• Tenant's income is under 140% of Area Median Income

Individuals facing eviction may call the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County's Rapid Response Eviction Project at (561) 655-8944, ext. 328 or Florida Rural Legal Services at 1-888-582-3410. For more information, visit www.legalaidpbc.org/eviction or www.frls.org.

The City of West Palm Beach’s Housing and Community Development Department is currently assisting residents with Food Stamps applications. To schedule an appointment, or to learn more about available resources, please call (561) 822-1250 (TTY: 800-955-8771).

This press release was produced by the City of West Palm Beach. The views expressed are the author's own.