Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO) is a non-profit regional law firm that provide high quality legal assistance in civil matters to help eligible low-income individuals and groups in western Ohio achieve self reliance, and equal justice and economic opportunity.
Phillip's Story
Phillip Major* and his spouse, the parents of three minor children, were both employed as independent contractors with a company that sold fixed rate utility bill plans door-to-door. Mr. Major and his spouse both lost their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 shut-down and fell behind on their rent.
Their landlord filed an eviction action for non-payment of rent, and the client applied for assistance from LAWO. LAWO attorneys advised Phillip to apply for rental assistance with a local Community Action Partnership. The landlord initially was unwilling to work with the rental assistance agency.
At the eviction hearing, LAWO attorneys convinced the Court to require the landlord to work with the Community Action Partnership. The Community Action Partnership was able to pay all back-rent owed to the landlord as well as to assist the family with rental payments for the next twelve months. The eviction judgment was vacated and the family was able to stay in their home.
*Names have been changed to protect the client’s privacy.
About the author
Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc.