Free Legal Assistance For People at Risk of Eviction
The ACE Program helps eligible renters on the verge of eviction get access to free legal help.
The ACE Program:
Removes a tenant’s burden to research and call multiple lawyers to represent them in rent court
Removes a tenant’s burden to research and call multiple lawyers to represent them in rent court
Eliminates the cost burden of hiring a lawyer
Eliminates the cost burden of hiring a lawyer
Pairs tenants with quality legal representation
Pairs tenants with quality legal representation
Tenants can access help by calling the 211 Maryland United Way Helpline (211) or applying online.
This program currently offers services to Baltimore City residents, which has one of the highest eviction rates in the country. ACE will expand to other areas in the future.
In cities of comparable demographic and economic makeup like Atlanta, Georgia and Memphis, Tennessee, the eviction filing rate is 17 percent (or 17 evictions per 100 renter households.) In Baltimore City, the eviction filing rate is 115 percent (or 115 evictions per 100 renter households.)
Need legal help with an eviction?
Call 211 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and ask about the ACE program. 211 can also connect callers with additional supportive resources.
Important: If you have received a notice of a scheduled court hearing and you want to defend your case, you must attend the hearing. If you do not go to court, the judge may rule in favor of your landlord.
96%
of landlords have legal representation during eviction proceedings.
1%
of tenants have legal representation.
93%
of tenants without representation are displaced.
8%
of tenants with representation are displaced.
-Source: Abell Foundation for the Public Justice Center
“An eviction notice is often one piece to a much larger puzzle. Our callers who are facing eviction are often also in need of job assistance, possibly food access, clothing, and more. We are trained to identify needs, often beyond what a caller initially shares, with the goal of leading that person to the programs they need to get back on their feet and create a stable life.”
