Newark Helps Tenants Fight ‘Abusive Landlords' With Free Lawyers

NEWARK, NJ — Tens of thousands of Newark residents who rent housing will get a big boost this week when the city begins the official rollout of its “free legal assistance” program for tenants.

On Wednesday, Newark will expand an ambitious program that gives pro bono legal representation to low-income renters facing eviction. Residents will receive aid from local, volunteer lawyers who have offered their services for the initiative.

According to city officials, Newark is only the third municipality in the nation to create such a program… and it’s coming at a much-needed time. There are approximately 38,000 eviction actions filed annually in Essex County, and Newark’s share is the highest at 20,000.

Officials with the city’s Office of Tenant Legal Services (OTLS) have already provided assistance to several tenants since Khabirah Myers – a Newark native and former city assistant corporation counsel – took over the top post at the department in April.

“We will not let abusive landlords have free reign to hound and harass tenants,” Mayor Ras Baraka said. “The law mandates that corporations that own property have legal representation. This is an opportunity to even the playing field and stop them from taking advantage of Newark residents with limited resources.”

• See related article: Newark Mayor Wants Free Legal Aid For Tenants Facing Eviction

FREE LEGAL AID FOR TENANTS: HOW TO APPLY

According to a statement from Newark city officials, all interested residents should visit the office in person for a consultation.

Single tenants or families of rental units are eligible for the program.

The OTLS office is based in Room 111, City Hall, located at 920 Kenneth A. Gibson Boulevard (Broad Street). The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more information, contact the Office of Tenant Legal Services at 973-733-3675 or via email at otls@ci.newark.nj.us.

• See related article: Make Bad Landlords Face More Inspections, NJ Lawmakers Say
• See related article: Newark Law Would Stop Rental Of 'Unclean' Apartments

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