In a victory for tenants’ rights, Emancipate NC Attorney Jaelyn Miller secured justice for Ms. Griffin and Mr. Marrow, two Durham residents forced to leave their home due to dangerous, unlivable conditions.
Despite the property being declared uninhabitable by the City of Durham after multiple housing code violations, their landlord continued to demand rent—and refused to cover the cost of emergency housing after eviction.
Ms. Griffin and Mr. Marrow did everything right:
✔️ They reported the violations.
✔️ They cooperated fully with inspectors.
✔️ They left the home when it was no longer safe.
Still, their landlord failed to make repairs and violated their basic rights as tenants.
That’s when Attorney Jaelyn Miller stepped in.
With a fierce commitment to housing justice, Miller took legal action—and won. She secured a $5,000 settlement to reimburse the tenants for the rent they should never have had to pay and for the hotel accommodations they were forced to pay out-of-pocket.
This case sends a clear message: Slumlords will be held accountable. Every tenant deserves safe, livable housing—and legal protection when those rights are violated.
Facing an Abusive Landlord? You’re Not Alone.
If you or someone you know is dealing with a negligent or exploitative landlord, reach out to Attorney Jaelyn Miller at jaelyn@emancipatenc.org. Let’s fight back—together.