Housing - 11/19/2024

Tenant Advocacy Group - Eviction Court Watching

Read this blurb from Marcia Roberts, TAG chair and experienced court watcher, to learn more about the experience of sitting in eviction court:

"I'll never forget the first time I observed eviction court on the west side of Indianapolis. The room was packed, as there can be more than 90 cases scheduled for just the morning session. As cases were called, the judge would ask the tenant, who most often was not represented by an attorney, if they owed money. They usually replied that they did, and he would reply that the landlord has a right to regain possession of their property. No other questions were asked by this judge and the tenant was not given a chance to share any other information, such as if there were broken appliances or mold in the unit. His ruling was immediate: the tenant had 5 days to leave. Five days in which to figure out their next move, a nearly impossible task now that there was an eviction on the tenant's record; five days to try to continue working while looking for the next place to live; five days to figure out if the children would have to change schools. The hearing itself? It lasted only 2 minutes.

Some members of St. Luke's Tenant Advocacy Group (TAG) are eviction court watchers. We gather data that the courts do not: the demographics of the tenant, if they were represented by an attorney, if they were given a chance to speak, and if children were in the home. There are about 30 eviction court watchers in the Indianapolis area and as a result of being present in the courtroom, we've seen judges begin to change their rulings. The tenant might still have to vacate, but they might be given 3 weeks to leave instead of 5 days. Some judges work out payment plans so the tenant can pay what they owe and stay in the unit. It is our belief that every one of God's people has a right to safe, habitable and affordable places to live."

If you'd like to learn more and be involved, contact Marcia Roberts, TAG chair, at mtroberts1@aol.com.