The Tenant Assistance Project (TAP) began in April 2020 to support unrepresented tenants facing eviction from their homes. In Lancaster County, TAP functions as a partnership between the Housing Justice Program and the Nebraska State Bar Association’s Volunteer Lawyers Project. The Tenant Assistance Project ensures that all tenants earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income have access to free, limited scope legal representation and social services support at the Lancaster County Courthouse on the day of their eviction hearing.
Prior to the Tenant Assistance Project, the vast majority of tenants would arrive at court unrepresented, which often resulted in an eviction judgment being entered against them that very same day. Now, when tenants arrive for an eviction hearing, they are greeted by a team of people ready to help and, in nearly all cases, the tenants TAP assists avoid immediate eviction. Avoiding immediate eviction provides vulnerable families crucial time to connect with existing resources, to get caught up on rent, or to safely transition to replacement housing, benefitting not only the tenants served, but the entire community.
Background
The Tenant Assistance Project (TAP) is present at the Lancaster County Courthouse on days that eviction hearings are scheduled.
Tap works to provide free limited-scope legal representation and social services support to all interested low- to moderate- income residential tenants on the day of their eviction hearing.
Purpose
TAP works toward balancing the inequities that exist between residential tenants and landlords in the eviction process by ensuring access to legal representation for tenants, and providing holistic, wrap-around support to obtain the best possible outcomes for those facing judicial eviction.
TAP Partnership
In Lancaster County, TAP operates as a collaboration between the University of Nebraska College of Law's Housing Justice Clinic and Nebraska State Bar Association's Volunteer Lawyer's Project.
Important Disclaimers
TAP services are generally limited to the day of the eviction hearing and do not continue outside of the courthouse.
TAP can only assist tenants for the eviction portion of their cases–legal representation does not extend to any related claims brought by a landlord for monetary damages related to the tenancy.
TAP cannot provide ongoing legal representation for other matters.
The information provided here is for educational purposes only. This website does not create an ongoing attorney-client relationship between you and the Tenant Assistance Project or the Housing Justice Clinic at the University of Nebraska College of Law. Nothing in this handout should be considered legal advice or a substitute for legal advice.
Tenant Support Contacts
Legal Aid of Nebraska
Legal Support
1-877-250-2016
Legail Aid of Nebraska Website
Community Action Partnership
Non-Legal Tenant Support
402-875-9354
Community Action Partnership Website
Lincoln Commission on Human Rights
Reporting Housing Discrimination
402-441-7624
Lincoln Department of Building and Safety
Reporting Housing Code Violations
402-441-7521
Volunteer Opportunities
All students at the University of Nebraska College of Law can volunteer with the Tenant Assistance Project to help prevent evictions in Lancaster County. Time spent volunteering with TAP counts toward Nebraska Law’s Pro Bono Initiative.
THE TENANT ASSISTANCE PROJECT IS ALWAYS SEEKING VOLUNTEERS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
Performing Outreach: Outreach volunteers visit the homes of tenants who have eviction hearings scheduled for the following week to provide them with a pre-made bag of information regarding the eviction process and relevant resources. This ensures tenants are aware they have an upcoming eviction hearing, and that there is help available to them at court.
Preparing Eviction Defense Packets: Volunteers prepare Eviction Defense Packets (EDPs) in advance for each scheduled eviction hearing. EDPs are made available to the volunteer attorneys and senior certified law students assisting tenants at the courthouse, and provide them with an overview of the case, including any possible procedural defenses identified within the pleadings.
Assisting at the Courthouse: Courthouse volunteers provide crucial support on the day of eviction hearings, which are scheduled Monday through Thursday mornings at 8:30, 9:30, and 10:30 most weeks. These volunteers greet tenants outside of eviction court, help conduct intakes, and observe court proceedings to record case outcomes.
Benefits of Volunteering with the Tenant Assistance Project:
- Obtaining hands-on legal experience through scrutinizing and analyzing pleadings and/or observing court proceedings.
- Making connections with practicing attorneys and legal professionals in the Lincoln community.
- Meeting other law students who are passionate about similar issues.
- Utilizing your legal training to help people within the local community in tangible ways.
- Completing hours toward a Pro Bono Certificate through Nebraska Law's Pro Bono Initiative.
