Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Although Douglas County has expressed commitment to tenant right to counsel and has engaged in implementation discussions for months, a majority of county commissioners Wednesday opted instead to have county staff do more research on mediation.
Douglas County commissioners have requested that staff complete more research over the next month or two toward implementing tenant right to counsel, though dozens of advocates called for a vote to launch a program this month.
Nathan Kramer/Lawrence Times
Douglas County commissioners on Wednesday will discuss ways the county could ensure that people facing evictions have legal representation and weigh in on numerous staff questions, including whether to consider income eligibility restrictions and more.
Nathan Kramer/Lawrence Times
People with housing advocacy organizations urged the Douglas County Commission to schedule a vote and adopt tenant right to counsel next month.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
As Douglas County commissioners reviewed eviction prevention methods, presenters identified a need for greater public education on tenant-landlord issues, while representatives from Lawrence Tenants called for tenant right to counsel.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
A recent “Know Your Rights” presentation provided legal resources to tenants in Lawrence, demonstrating that they have recourse to fight evictions in court.
Two upcoming workshops at the Lawrence library aim to help renters understand their legal rights in eviction cases and how to get security deposits back.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Claudia Wilch said she and her cat, Biscuit, cast a concerned glance at each other when the temperature in their Babcock Place apartment had risen to 85 degrees last week.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
A local renter-led advocacy group plans to present the Douglas County Commission an ordinance to guarantee tenants legal representation in eviction cases within the next few months.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
A renter-led group pushing for accessible and affordable housing in Lawrence will soon host a town hall on tenants’ right to legal representation in eviction cases.
