(LEE COUNTY, Fla.) — Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS) intervened in a rental dispute, helping a mother and her seven children move from an uninhabitable apartment into a more suitable one.

Cindy (not her real name) was living in public housing and initially informed she wouldn’t be responsible for paying rent. Later, she was told she had to enroll in a rent repayment plan. Knowing this was incorrect, she sought legal assistance from FRLS.

The family of eight was crammed into a three-bedroom apartment with a broken air conditioner and mold infestation that management ignored. They were eager to move into a five-bedroom unit that better met their needs.

During the recertification process for public housing benefits, Cindy was never notified of her new rent amount and assumed it remained $0. As a result, she didn’t save money for rent and wasn’t informed when it would be due or how much it would cost.

Afterward, Cindy was told she was disqualified for a housing voucher due to an alleged increase in household income. Confused, as her income had not changed and she had submitted all required paperwork, she contacted FRLS for help.

FRLS reached out to the housing agency on Cindy’s behalf and discovered her rent had been wrongfully increased from $0 to $810 per month. Additionally, information about recertification deadlines, back payments, and utility debts provided to Cindy was inaccurate.

After persistent efforts by the FRLS attorney to get accurate information, the case escalated to the Housing Choice Voucher Director. This conversation led to a resolution.

Cindy’s rent was reduced from $810 to $384 per month, and $4,050 in back rent was removed from her account. The family was also approved to move into a five-bedroom unit.

If you are facing similar issues with public housing, FRLS is here to ensure your rights are protected and that you have accurate information about your housing situation.

For more information on how to qualify for free legal services, contact Florida Rural Legal Services at 1-888-582-3410.

About Florida Rural Legal Services:

Florida Rural Legal Services is a nonprofit law firm providing free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals and families across 13 South Florida counties. Established in 1966, FRLS is committed to empowering individuals, groups, and communities by offering access to justice through quality legal representation and advocacy.