Bakersfield City Council wants to stop evictions

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Homelessness isn’t a black and white issue, there are many gray areas that need to be addressed before someone ends up on the streets.

Preventing evictions is one of them.

Tenants’ rights are about to get a boost as the Bakersfield City Council funds an eviction protection program.

“For about a year and a half, two years now, throughout Kern County, almost 2,400 families have been evicted,” said Ward 1 Councilman Eric Arias.

The program would provide $350,000 in legal advice from Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance. The program focuses on those who need it most.

“Protect tenants, ensuring that all our housing laws are respected: said Councilor Arias. “Ensuring we hold landlords accountable, especially those who exploit and manipulate tenants. »

The program provides mediation between tenants and landlords, providing legal advice to low-income tenants facing eviction. Apartment rent in Bakersfield increased 8.9 percent last year, according to the Zumper website. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,100 and the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is just under $1,500.

The eviction protection program is about to launch, after facing setbacks for a year.

“We don’t have enough jurists or attorneys in this space willing to step up and work on behalf of tenants,” Councilor Arias said.

Legal Aid of Greater Bakersfield is now stepping up its efforts with a proposition tailored to Bakersfield residents.

If you need free legal assistance, click here.