A renters’ rights group in Lawrence is taking steps to introduce a new ordinance in Douglas County that would guarantee tenants legal representation when facing eviction. At a recent town hall held on May 31, 2025, members of Lawrence Tenants explained the urgency of such protections, citing data, legal disparities, and growing housing instability in the region. The group aims to have the ordinance on the agenda of the Douglas County Commission by August.
Read: Nearly ‘300 Evictions Filed by NYC Supportive Housing Landlords in 5 Months
What the Ordinance Proposes
The proposed Tenant Right to Counsel (TRTC) ordinance would guarantee legal representation for all tenants in Douglas County who are at risk of losing their housing. The protections would apply regardless of income level and would cover any type of legal proceeding where a tenant could lose their home or housing subsidy. According to a presentation by Gabi Sprague of Lawrence Tenants, the ordinance would require Douglas County to fund legal services through contracts with nonprofit providers. The goal is to create a public system that helps renters defend their housing rights in court.
Also read: Black Tenants Bias Prompt McKinney Housing Authority to Sue HOA
A Stark Legal Imbalance
Currently, tenants across the country are often left without legal help during eviction cases. National findings from the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel show that only 4 percent of tenants have representation during eviction proceedings. Meanwhile, 83 percent of landlords do have lawyers when they go to court. This legal imbalance makes it extremely difficult for tenants to protect themselves or challenge unfair actions, especially when facing complex housing laws or landlord violations. The ordinance aims to address this gap by ensuring that tenants do not face eviction alone.
Also read: $15 Application Fee to Stay With Landlords Even After Denial, Erie Council Decides
Local Conditions Show the Need
According to the 2024 Douglas County Tenant Experiences Report, more than 48 percent of homes in the county are renter-occupied. Last year, almost 600 evictions were filed in Douglas County. Out of more than 1,000 tenants surveyed, 86 reported receiving eviction notices. Only 6 percent of those individuals had legal counsel. Approximately 23 percent, or about 20 people, ultimately faced eviction and became homeless as a result. These figures underscore the vulnerability renters face and the lack of tools available to fight back. Lawrence Tenants argue that having access to legal support could significantly reduce eviction rates and help stabilize housing for more families.
Also read: NY Governor Hochul Announces Completion of Senior Housing, 20 Homeless Units
Legal Support Can Make a Difference
At the town hall, Sprague highlighted that legal representation can do more than just delay eviction. Attorneys can help tenants counter landlords who ignore maintenance duties or violate tenant laws, such as the Kansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act. Legal support also helps renters contest lease terms that may be unlawful or poorly explained. Without an attorney, tenants often do not know their rights or how to file claims against unfair treatment. The TRTC ordinance aims to provide the missing knowledge and advocacy.
Also read: ‘No Tolerance for Squatting’ Florida’s Governor DeSantis Signed Two New Bills
Inspired by Kansas City’s Model
Lawrence tenants are basing their proposal on similar efforts in other cities, particularly Kansas City, Missouri. KC Tenants, a tenants’ union, helped lead the adoption of a Tenant Bill of Rights in 2019. That initiative included a right to counsel program launched in 2022. An external review of Kansas City’s program found that 86 percent of tenants who had legal representation remained housed and did not receive formal eviction records. Lawrence advocates hope to see similar outcomes if Douglas County adopts a right to counsel.
Also read: 12-Year-Old Risks Life to Save Family from Virginia House Fire
National Momentum is Growing
John Pollock, the coordinator for the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel, participated in the Lawrence town hall via Zoom. He shared that New York City became the first jurisdiction to implement a right to counsel for eviction cases in 2017. Since then, five states, two counties, and 19 cities have adopted similar policies. Pollock noted that even when tenants with legal support are unable to stay in their homes, lawyers can help them avoid extreme outcomes such as sudden homelessness or blacklisting from future housing.
Also read: Michigan Man Turned 60,000 Pop Bottles Into a Historic Home
Cost Savings for Public Services
Pollock also pointed to research showing that tenant rights counseling programs save cities and counties money. When tenants avoid eviction and homelessness, local governments face fewer costs related to shelters, emergency healthcare, child services, and policing. Studies show that for every dollar spent on providing legal representation, governments can save three to five dollars in avoided public expenses. This economic argument may help persuade local officials to support the ordinance.
Also read: Black Tenants Bias Prompt McKinney Housing Authority to Sue HOA
Disparities in Housing Outcomes
Sprague also connected the campaign to racial justice. She noted that Black residents in Douglas County are more likely to be behind on rent and face eviction at double the rate of white residents. A TRTC ordinance, she said, could reduce these disparities by giving more residents the tools to stay in their homes. Legal help could provide a safety net for families that face financial instability, landlord neglect, or discrimination in the housing market.
Next up:
