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Calling the police “too much” can get you in trouble, even if you need help. “Nuisance” laws put people in a messed up situation. In many cases, it means, “Stop calling the police or get kicked out on the street!” if you’re a renter.
How this affects vulnerable people is a tragedy.
People in abusive homes, those with mental health issues, and others who might have to call the police often are treated like second class citizens. The police can pressure landlords to evict those who call them too much or else face fines!
This can be especially bad for Black women, who face domestic violence and homicide from intimate partners at higher rates than any other group of women. It’s abysmal to know that if a Black woman in need calls the police for help, she may face eviction. That’s just NOT RIGHT.
It’s important to know if there’s a nuisance law near you and to know your tenant rights when it comes to why a landlord can or cannot evict you. The police aren’t always helpful in these situations, so it’s important to know your options and how the system can work against survivors.
If you or a loved one needs information or resources because you’ve experienced domestic violence, you can call the domestic violence hotline: 1-800-799-7233. In the meantime, beware of the growing trend of using nuisance laws against domestic violence victims.