In December 2024, Emancipate NC staff attorney Jaelyn Miller secured a major legal victory for Jennique Lopez, a Vance County tenant who was forced to live with her children in appalling, unsafe housing conditions.
For more than a year, Ms. Lopez’s landlord ignored repeated repair requests while continuing to collect rent — even as the home deteriorated with roaches, mold, water leaks, and other serious habitability violations. The conditions became so severe that the City of Henderson condemned the property. Despite that, the landlord continued renting it to Ms. Lopez and charging her full rent.
Attorney Miller took the case to district court, arguing that Ms. Lopez was entitled to a full refund of all rent paid and additional damages for the landlord’s false promises and ongoing misconduct. The judge agreed.
The court awarded Ms. Lopez $63,778.49 — a powerful statement that tenants have rights, and landlords who exploit families will be held accountable.