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Study: Local Program Helping Renters Avoid Eviction

The Legal Aid Society of Columbus says its Tenant Advocacy Project created last year helped people stay in their homes 240 percent more often than those who were not assited by the program. 

One percent of tenants lost their case compared with 53 percent of those who received no assistance, according to the society's newly released study.   The program also succeeded in securing an agreed entry for 40 percent of clients, compared with 15 percent of those not assisted by the program. An agreed entry allows tenants to either make payments and remain or leave without an eviction on their record. The soceity says without access to an attorney, most tenants in crisis cannot effectively raise arguments that could prevent eviction and homelessness. The program screens tenants to see if they meet certain eligibility requirements and for the type of assistance needed for each case. Franklin County processes over 18 thousand evictions a year.  

Jim has been with WCBE since 1996. Before that he worked as a reporter at another Columbus radio station, and for three newspapers in Southwest Florida.
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