Help a Tenant Facing Unjust Retaliation

Fighting Back Against Landlord Retaliation – Support My Legal Journey

I'm a Black woman living in North Carolina who’s been forced into a legal fight I never asked for—all because I stood up for my right to safe housing.

My landlord failed to properly address a serious safety issue: malfunctioning smoke detectors. Instead of hiring a professional, he attempted a DIY fix. Around the same time, a payment I made was misapplied in his system. I requested that the balance be corrected and the detectors properly repaired.

He did not correct either. Instead, he attempted another DIY fix on the detectors. When I requested rent abatement due to the ongoing safety concerns, he falsely accused me of tampering with the detectors—something I never did. Shortly after, I was served with a demand letter threatening eviction.

I’ve stayed calm, documented everything, followed every rule, and paid what I was told. But now I’m being pushed into legal action just for protecting my dignity and standing on the truth.

I’m suing my landlord for breach of contract, emotional distress, retaliation, and mishandling of my personal information. I am also raising funds for legal representation and court-related expenses. I am not revealing my identity at this time due to fear of further retaliation, especially since I do not yet have legal counsel. I’ve already reached out to Legal Aid, but they are overwhelmed and unable to assist. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find a private attorney willing to take my case on contingency, so I am now trying to raise funds to hire counsel on my own.

This fight is bigger than me. It’s about renters who are taken advantage of because landlords assume we don’t know our rights—or won’t fight back. It’s about Black women who get labeled “aggressive” when we’re simply standing up for ourselves. And it’s about creating a paper trail for the next person who needs proof that they’re not alone.

If you believe in justice, in truth, and in the power of documentation, I’m asking for your support. Whether it’s $5, $50, or just sharing this fundraiser, it helps me stay on my feet, protect my peace, and keep pushing for what’s right.

Thank you for believing in me—even if you don’t know my name yet.

A tenant who refuses to be silenced!