For many renters, evictions can depend on the whims and wishes of their landlord. And with no right to a lawyer in housing court, there’s almost no chance to fight back and win. But that all recently changed in New York City and San Francisco. Professor Jamila Michener explains how both cities came to enact groundbreaking new laws to help tenants get access to a lawyer and what the movements behind these laws say about the power of organizing.

For more on this topic
  • Check out this New York Times series on the city's housing court

  • Read this San Francisco Chronicle piece on that city’s new law

  • Find our leadership announcement about Jamila Michener’s and Hahrie Han's new positions on the SSN Board of Directors, and Pao's new position as Managing Director.

Support No Jargon

Stay connected with America's top researchers