In an effort to expand tenants’ right to counsel and increase access to legal aid, dozens of cities and states across the country are utilizing coronavirus relief funds to provide legal representation for tenants facing eviction. Expanding the right to counsel is necessary to close the gap in legal representation between landlords and tenants.
In anticipation of the expiration of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) eviction moratorium, the Connecticut legislature seeks to enact a statewide right to counsel that would remain in place after federal COVID relief funds run out. Washington State passed a right to counsel bill earlier this year, and Maryland is on track to potentially pass similar legislation.
The National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel tracks which states and localities use relief funds to expand tenant access to legal aid. Access the database at: https://tinyurl.com/2vjhx27t