Staff report written from press release:
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (October 6, 2023) — Indiana Legal Services, in collaboration with the Eviction Prevention Project of Monroe County, is set to host a critical walk-in eviction sealing clinic, aiming to assist eligible individuals in expunging eviction records from their history. The clinic will take place this coming Friday, October 6, at the Monroe County Justice Building, running from 1 to 4 p.m., with a strong recommendation from Indiana Legal Services (ILS) for attendees wishing to file paperwork on the same day to arrive before 3:30 p.m.
“Housing is one of the main social determinants of health. Stable housing leads to better physical and mental health, the ability to safely care for you and your family, and gain employment,” emphasized Nicholas Minaudo, attorney for Indiana Legal Services. “We are here to help individuals navigate the legal system to remove qualifying evictions from their records because we want to make sure there’s equitable access to affordable housing in our communities.”
The clinic will offer pro bono legal services provided by attorneys, focusing on individuals whose eviction cases meet specific criteria outlined in House Enrolled Act 1214, enacted in 2022. The criteria encompass:
- Cases where the eviction was dismissed,
- Instances where a judge ruled in the tenant’s favor,
- Situations where an eviction order was overturned on appeal, AND a judgment or money owed to the landlord was not issued or was fully paid.
In addition to assisting attendees with the necessary paperwork to file with the relevant court, attorneys will be available to offer information and resources regarding the eviction sealing process. Moreover, judges will be present to review and authorize completed paperwork, enabling attendees to have their evictions sealed on the same day.
“Securing rental housing has become increasingly difficult due to the rising cost of rent and competition for affordable units. The prevalence of tenant screening policies that deny renters with an eviction filing on their record, regardless of the reason for the lawsuit or outcome of the case, have barred many from having their applications approved,” explained Tonda Radewan, coordinator of the Eviction Prevention Project. “The goal of this clinic is to assist tenants whose cases were either dismissed, overturned by the Court, or have met the terms of an agreement with their landlord, to seal their eviction record and remove that barrier to achieving housing stability.”
For those seeking more information on housing-related clinics across the state, details can be found at www.indianalegalhelp.org/events.
Event Details: Date: Friday, October 6 Time: 1 to 4 p.m. Location: Monroe County Justice Building, 301 N. College Ave., Bloomington, IN 47404
About Indiana Legal Services, Inc.: Indiana Legal Services, Inc., stands as the largest provider of free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals in Indiana. ILS is committed to helping clients faced with legal challenges that jeopardize their access to fundamental necessities such as food, shelter, income, medical care, or personal safety. The nonprofit organization handles a broad spectrum of cases, including low-wage worker rights, domestic violence, housing, consumer law, access to health care, LGBTQ+ rights, and access to government benefits, while excluding criminal matters. Established in 1966, ILS currently serves clients in all 92 Indiana counties, embodying a mission to “use the law to fight poverty and racism, empower clients, and improve access to justice.” Learn more at www.indianalegalservices.org.
