Sacramento Council considers Tenant's Right to Counsel to curb evictions and homelessness

The Sacramento City Council meeting on April 29, 2025, focused on the pressing issue of eviction and the potential implementation of a tenant's right to counsel program. Advocates from the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) presented compelling arguments for providing legal representation to tenants facing eviction, citing successful models from cities like New York and San Francisco.

One speaker highlighted the alarming statistic that 18 percent of renters in Sacramento are at high risk of eviction, equating to approximately 42,000 individuals. They emphasized that legal representation significantly increases the chances of tenants remaining in their homes, with studies showing that fully represented tenants are three times more likely to avoid eviction compared to those without legal aid.

Another advocate pointed out that New York City's right to counsel law has inspired similar initiatives across 18 cities and five states, resulting in thousands of families avoiding displacement. In San Francisco, 92 percent of tenants receiving full legal assistance managed to avoid homelessness, demonstrating the effectiveness of such programs.

The speakers collectively argued that preventing evictions is crucial not only for the stability of families but also for the economic health of the community. They noted that evictions lead to increased public costs, including strain on shelters, healthcare systems, and social services. By investing in legal representation for tenants, the city could reduce these costs and promote a fairer housing system.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for Sacramento to consider adopting a tenant's right to counsel, aiming to interrupt the cycle of homelessness and provide a more equitable solution for both tenants and landlords. The council's next steps in addressing this issue remain to be seen, but the discussions highlighted a growing recognition of the importance of legal support in eviction cases.