Isaac* and his family faced uncertainty when their landlord attempted to evict them from their long-time home located in a three-unit building. Throughout their tenancy, the landlord would sporadically send them notices of nonrenewal, telling the family their lease would not be renewed because it is an owner-occupied property, yet the landlord continued to accept the family’s rent payments. Continuing the trend, the landlord sent a notice of nonrenewal urging the family to move out of their long-time home so the rent for the unit could be increased. After the landlord filed an eviction complaint against Isaac and his family—despite them not owing any outstanding money—Isaac turned to Volunteer Lawyers for Justice for help.
The landlord claimed to live on the third floor of the building, presenting a challenge since owner-occupied buildings are an exception to New Jersey’s Anti-Eviction Act. On the onset of this case, there was a question of whether the apartment building was actually owner-occupied, as the owner's listed address was different. Isaac’s personal knowledge also led him to believe the first floor was occupied by another tenant and the third floor was occupied by a woman who appeared to be the landlord’s mother.
With the guidance of VLJ staff attorney Nina DePalma and dedicated volunteer attorneys Amy Woltman (Prudential Financial) and Ruth Zimmerman (Lowenstein Sandler), Isaac's defense was strengthened. Nina, Amy, and Ruth uncovered critical evidence revealing the landlord's dishonesty, exposing his false claims of the building being owner occupied. Upon further investigation, Nina discovered that while the landlord was claiming the building was owner occupied, the landlord actually lived in a neighboring town and moved a family member into the building where Isaac and his family resided.
Armed with these new facts, Nina represented Isaac in court. When the trial date arrived, the landlord was nowhere to be found, leading to a dismissal of the case, securing Isaac and his family’s right to remain in their home. This victory not only prevented an unjust eviction, it also empowered Isaac and his family with the knowledge of their rights.
A family’s home secured. Justice prevailed. That’s the power of pro bono.
*Names have been changed to protect and ensure client privacy.