Reno Justice Court pilot keeps dozens of households housed by pairing aid with specialty dockets

Reno'Justice Court and the City of Reno''s Housing and Neighborhood Development presented results of an eviction-diversion pilot Thursday that officials said has helped dozens of households facing nonpayment eviction notices remain housed while their landlords were paid.

The pilot, branded as housing court, launched in August 2024 after the city used an allocation from Assembly Bill 396 to expand local rental-assistance work. "Applicants have to have an eviction notice for nonpayment of rent and be under 60% of area median income," Jana Litz, housing manager, told the council. Judge Kendra Burchi, a justice of the peace at Reno Justice Court, described the court''s role in coordinating court dockets with service providers so landlords receive prompt payment and tenants receive legal help and case management where…