Those that know me, know that I have a difficult time asking for help. I find now,  that I must face my vulnerability and ask for assistance. A dear loved one has encouraged me to use this venue, so hear it goes.
My family and a few of my friends know that I have been dealing with tenant rights issues for over a year now.  After many visits to the tenants rights clinics, I am aware that I am far from alone. The clinics are crowded. There is a housing crisis here in Los Angeles. 
Here is my personal situation: In March of 2020, I will have lived in my apartment for 18 years. That is the longest I have lived anywhere. I am deeply grateful. I moved into my home originally with my former husband and two cats in March of 2002.  In April of  2018, my longtime landlady passed away.  There are new owners now.      
During the ending of my marriage, my former husband took the only copy of the original lease. I did not foresee a reason to ask for it then because our  landlady had a copy too.  I have reached out to my ex, via email to see if he by chance has a copy in his records.  My situation is urgent now, and I can no longer wait for his response. I doubt that he still has a copy anyway. 

Recently, I received a notice for eviction.I have never received such a notice in all of my life. I pay my rent on time every month and I have always treated my home as if it were my own with love and care. There is a rule in rent controlled apartments that states that the landlord can evict if a tenant refuses to sign a lease of like terms. Because I do not have a copy of the original lease and because they did not find the former landlady’s copy, they presented me with a lease that is vastly different than my original terms. Because I am not willing to sign this lease that they have created, they are trying to evict me. Even though I have the support of the Rent Stabilization Organization, the new owners are going for it anyway.  Even though there is a law going into effect January 1, 2020 that puts an end to unfounded evictions. This law states that there will only be evictions if the tenants are not paying their rent or if they are conducting illegal activity. There was a moratorium put in place on October 24, 2019 which gave me some peace of mind but the new owners are proceeding anyway. It is troubling to be dealing with people who obviously believe the rules don’t apply to them.
I have now found it necessary to hire an attorney who specializes in tenants rights. There are legal fees that I simply cannot afford. I don’t want to take the risk of representing myself and being forced to leave my home of 18 years based on a technicality.
I am initially in need of $4300. I am hopeful that that will be the total amount needed. I am aware that it may take more to protect my home. 

Any amount you choose to contribute will be received with deep gratitude and appreciation. 

 Thank you  ❤️