BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Homelessness is not a black and white issue, there are many gray areas to tackle before someone ends up on the streets.
Preventing evictions is one of them.
Tenant’s rights are about to get a boost, as Bakersfield City Council provides funding for an Eviction Protection Program.
“For about a year and a half, two years now, throughout the entire County of Kern, there have been almost 2,400 families who have faced eviction,” said Ward 1 Councilman, Eric Arias.
The program would provide $350,000 of legal advice from Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance. The program focuses on those who need it most.
“Protecting tenants, making sure that all of our housing laws are being followed,: said Councilman Arias. “Making sure that we’re holding landlords accountable, particularly those who are exploiting and manipulating tenants.”
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The program offers mediation between tenants and landlords, by giving legal advice to low-income tenants facing eviction. Bakersfield apartments rent increased 8.9% in the last year, according to the website Zumper. The median rent for one-bedroom apartment is at $1,100 and a two-bedroom is just under $1,500.