Legal Representation for Eviction Case
Budget: $30 – $250 USD
Case Summary for Attorney
Parties:
- Plaintiffs: Heather West and Junior Baptiste (tenants)
- Defendant: Matan Dery (landlord)
Property:
- 715 NW 7th Ave, Apartment 3, Hallandale Beach, FL
Timeline & Key Facts:
- April 17, 2025: Both Heather West and Junior Baptiste were incarcerated.
- Within one week of incarceration, the landlord entered the apartment without permission; other tenants witnessed this unauthorized entry.
- Heather West contacted the landlord within 20 days of incarceration to inform him of the situation and request access upon release (house arrest).
- Despite no court eviction order or legal notice, the landlord rented the apartment to a new tenant around May 1, 2025, while continuing to collect Section 8 payments on behalf of Heather and Junior.
- Upon release on May 30, 2025, Heather found another tenant living in the apartment.
- The landlord claimed the apartment was abandoned and behind on rent, but Heather has proof of ongoing Section 8 payments and communication with the landlord.
- The landlord falsely told Section 8 the unit was used as an Airbnb.
- Heather and Junior’s personal belongings, valued at approximately $10,000, were stolen or disposed of during the illegal eviction.
- Heather and her child were displaced, incurring hotel and related expenses.
- The landlord demanded $1,700 for a key and withheld the $4,154 security deposit.
- The landlord has harassed Heather, demanding rent for the lockout period and payment for painting, stove, and refrigerator replacements, which Heather disputes.
- Section 8 caseworker Richard Longmore intervened, had the new tenant move out, and told Heather she could pick up her key.
- The landlord continues to threaten eviction and reports to Section 8 that Heather and Junior owe rent for the lockout period.
Legal Issues:
- Illegal eviction and lockout without court process.
- Unauthorized landlord entry without notice or consent.
- Breach of lease terms (including landlord’s maintenance obligations and entry rights).
- Section 8 violations (collecting payments while renting to another tenant, false statements to Section 8).
- Conversion or wrongful disposal of tenant property.
- Harassment and unlawful demands for payment.
- Wrongful withholding of security deposit.
- Damages include lost property (~$10,000), displacement costs, bond money ($1,700), withheld security deposit ($4,154), emotional distress, and related expenses.
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What You Need from the Attorney:
- Review and file a civil lawsuit for wrongful eviction, breach of lease, and damages.
- Assist with recovering lost property value, security deposit, bond money, and other damages.
- Help address landlord harassment and improper charges.
- Coordinate with Section 8 and housing authorities as needed.
- Represent you in court hearings and negotiations.
---
If you want, I can help you prepare a detailed timeline and organize your evidence to give to the attorney. Just let me know how you want to proceed.
Parties:
- Plaintiffs: Heather West and Junior Baptiste (tenants)
- Defendant: Matan Dery (landlord)
Property:
- 715 NW 7th Ave, Apartment 3, Hallandale Beach, FL
Timeline & Key Facts:
- April 17, 2025: Both Heather West and Junior Baptiste were incarcerated.
- Within one week of incarceration, the landlord entered the apartment without permission; other tenants witnessed this unauthorized entry.
- Heather West contacted the landlord within 20 days of incarceration to inform him of the situation and request access upon release (house arrest).
- Despite no court eviction order or legal notice, the landlord rented the apartment to a new tenant around May 1, 2025, while continuing to collect Section 8 payments on behalf of Heather and Junior.
- Upon release on May 30, 2025, Heather found another tenant living in the apartment.
- The landlord claimed the apartment was abandoned and behind on rent, but Heather has proof of ongoing Section 8 payments and communication with the landlord.
- The landlord falsely told Section 8 the unit was used as an Airbnb.
- Heather and Junior’s personal belongings, valued at approximately $10,000, were stolen or disposed of during the illegal eviction.
- Heather and her child were displaced, incurring hotel and related expenses.
- The landlord demanded $1,700 for a key and withheld the $4,154 security deposit.
- The landlord has harassed Heather, demanding rent for the lockout period and payment for painting, stove, and refrigerator replacements, which Heather disputes.
- Section 8 caseworker Richard Longmore intervened, had the new tenant move out, and told Heather she could pick up her key.
- The landlord continues to threaten eviction and reports to Section 8 that Heather and Junior owe rent for the lockout period.
Legal Issues:
- Illegal eviction and lockout without court process.
- Unauthorized landlord entry without notice or consent.
- Breach of lease terms (including landlord’s maintenance obligations and entry rights).
- Section 8 violations (collecting payments while renting to another tenant, false statements to Section 8).
- Conversion or wrongful disposal of tenant property.
- Harassment and unlawful demands for payment.
- Wrongful withholding of security deposit.
- Damages include lost property (~$10,000), displacement costs, bond money ($1,700), withheld security deposit ($4,154), emotional distress, and related expenses.
---
What You Need from the Attorney:
- Review and file a civil lawsuit for wrongful eviction, breach of lease, and damages.
- Assist with recovering lost property value, security deposit, bond money, and other damages.
- Help address landlord harassment and improper charges.
- Coordinate with Section 8 and housing authorities as needed.
- Represent you in court hearings and negotiations.
---
If you want, I can help you prepare a detailed timeline and organize your evidence to give to the attorney. Just let me know how you want to proceed.