Tenants’ rights need better protection

It was a stark reality that I was forced to accept during a global pandemic: My family was being evicted.

It was not until after the notice appeared on my door and after my child asked me if we would be homeless that I realized that we, as tenants, have very little protection. I, like so many other families in Nevada and especially during the current pandemic, have struggled to pay my rent on time, but even with late fees I have never stopped paying rent. This situation led to my first eviction. I rented out a property eight years ago with the help of a Realtor’s office. One day, my landlord raised my rent and told me to leave, that she didn’t want me renting her home anymore.

I told her it was unfair, as I had a contract, yet the landlord still evicted me. I went to court and was advised to save my money and just move, since I didn’t know how to maneuver through the legal system and I didn’t have a good lawyer. I was told this was better than ending up in the streets. That’s when I first understood that I didn’t have adequate protections as a tenant.

Now I live in an apartment where the situation is not any better. I still live with the fear of random notices from landlords, which make me feel frustrated and helpless, and are not fair for tenants.

Despite pandemic relief funding from the government, I’m not getting ahead because I’m paying late fees. I have looked for help paying my rent, but I have found a lot of obstacles that prevent me from getting the help I need.

It is time that together as a community, we raise our voices and demand what we need — protection for tenants, not only for landlords. What will happen after the eviction moratorium expires? People need debt relief because what has been done so far is not enough. The current eviction moratorium only causes more anxiety and restlessness for my family during a time when the concern for my family’s health should be at the forefront.

Together with Make the Road Nevada and the housing justice coalition, I am fighting to pass tenant protections supported under Assembly Bill 141 and AB161 in the Nevada Legislature. The provisions of AB141 include lengthening the time that long-term tenants without leases have to vacate a property after receiving a no-cause eviction notice to 90 days from the current 30. AB161 would ban summary evictions.

To our community leaders: Put yourself in the shoes of those you govern. Be vulnerable toward the people you claim to represent, and think about all of the families being destroyed as a result of evictions. Modify the policies concerning tenants’ rights to truly benefit the tenants.

Areli Sanchez is a Las Vegas resident who migrated to the U.S. at age 16 in 1993 to escape violence in her home country. She is a leader in the advocacy organization Make the Road Nevada.