From the first call to the next step
Five steps, in plain words. You decide how far we go.
- 01
Step 1: Call, text or send the form
Tell us what you got and what you're afraid of. Not sure what the paper means? Send a photo.
- 02
Step 2: We check if we can help for free
We ask about household size and income, and confirm it's a case we take. If not, we point you to someone who can help.
- 03
Step 3: You get a plan in plain words
A lawyer tells you what the paper means, which date matters most and what to bring.
- 04
Step 4: We act with you
Letters, calls to your landlord, filings and hearings, depending on your case and what you qualify for.
- 05
Step 5: We stay until it's settled
We close your file when you're safe in your home or have a plan to move on your own terms.
Who we can help, and who we can't
We take
- Tenants in rental homes in and around Paterson, whose household income is under our limit.
- Evictions, repairs, security deposits and fair housing cases.
- Survivors of violence who need to leave a lease safely.
We don't take
- Criminal and immigration cases. We'll refer you to someone who does.
- Landlords. If you're a small landlord, call anyway: we can't represent you, but we'll point you to a bar referral line.
What it costs
Nothing for tenants who qualify. If a court charges a filing fee, we explain it before we file and ask the court to waive it. If you don't qualify for free help, we tell you plainly and say who to call.
Start with the paper you're holding.
Call, text or send the form. You don't need to understand it first. That's our job.
Free for tenants who qualify. We tell you about any court fee before we file anything.