Concerns of residents signing away tenant rights
Charlotte, NC – Local legal advocacy groups are urging residents at Lake Arbor Apartments to seek legal advice ahead of a deadline for some to move out by the end of the month.
On July 30, residents received a notice from Lake Arbor Apartments stating that they must move out by December 31. Others were told they had leases that had expired or were no longer valid and they needed to move out by the end of August.
The notice also informed residents of an “Incentive Package” available for those who choose to leave voluntarily.
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy and the North Carolina Justice Center are concerned that residents could be giving up their legal rights as tenants without fully understanding all their options as the end of August nears.
The groups are especially concerned that residents who were told they did not have valid leases and must leave by August 31st, do not understand that they do not have to leave their apartments unless ordered to leave by the Sheriff, pursuant to a court order.
“A landlord’s notice to move out is not the same as a court-ordered eviction,” said Jack Holtzman, an attorney with the N.C. Justice Center. “Tenants with month-to-month leases have due process rights like all other tenants. That’s why it’s critical for residents to speak to a lawyer before making any decisions.”
The organizations urge all Lake Arbor residents to speak to an attorney even if they think they don’t have any legal remedies available to them.
The organizations are offering free legal advice to Lake Arbor residents who have been told to move out, asked to sign a release or offered an Incentive Package from the rental company.
Residents should call 919-856-2169 to discuss their options with an attorney.
The North Carolina Justice Center is one of the state’s preeminent voices for economic and social justice. As a leading progressive research and advocacy organization, its mission is to eliminate poverty in North Carolina by ensuring that every household in the state has access to the resources, services, and fair treatment it needs to achieve economic security. For more information, visit www.ncjustice.org
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy (formerly Legal Services of Southern Piedmont) provides expert legal advice and representation to those who cannot afford it, but desperately need it, something the organization has been doing since its inception in 1967. The Advocacy Center serves more than 3,500 families each year who are facing a crisis of safety, shelter, health or income, while providing committed advocacy work toward policy changes at the local and national level to impact a greater number of people. Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy is a champion for those in need, ensuring their safety, security and stability. For more information, visit charlottelegaladvocacy.org.
