Successful Collaboration with Pro Bono Attorneys Keeps Disabled Woman in Safe Housing

Arianna and her husband live in public housing, a crucial resource for her as she is disabled.  She came to Legal Services for assistance with her unit which was in a state of disrepair, including a pest infestation.  She was paired with pro bono attorneys Demitrianna Grekos and Veronica Adams through the Legal Services’ Tenants Equal Justice Clinic (TEJC), which aims to increase housing stability and access to justice.  Grekos and Adams, both Associates at the law office of Hunton Andrews Kurth, advised Arianna that she had the right to safe and sanitary conditions and the landlord was obligated to make necessary repairs.  They also assisted her in preparing a Rent Withholding Letter, after which she began legally withholding rent.

Subsequently, the landlord failed to make repairs and filed an eviction against Arianna based on nonpayment of the rent.  Legal Services Staff Attorney Sha’Tarria Davis then defended Arianna in the eviction matter.    At the Motion to Determine Rent hearing, the Judge issued a rare decision to reduce the amount of monthly rent the tenant was required to deposit into the court registry, partly due to the well-crafted letter prepared by Grekos and Adams.  Consequently, the court order effectively reduced the rent due by $100 per month and allowed Arianna to save a total of $700 during the pendency of the case while simultaneously forcing the landlord to address the infestation.  Ultimately the parties settled the case, which allowed Arianna and her husband to remain in safe housing.

Attorney Grekos noted, “providing local pro bono services allows me to show gratitude for all that Miami has offered me over the years. Working on cases like this one through the Tenants’ Equal Justice Clinic reminds me of why I became a lawyer in the first place.” Attorney Adams shared, “I work on pro bono matters to make an impact on people’s lives. Serving the community and providing a benefit otherwise not available is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. I am grateful to have been able to help our client improve her living situation.”

If you are a tenant in need of legal assistance, please contact our office. To apply for services, CLICK HERE.