New landlord references immigration to push out Fruitvale renters Are you legal

Darrick Chavis, the new landlord of a Fruitvale rental property, alarmed tenants by demanding they vacate within 30 days while questioning their immigration status. Families like Veronica's, who have lived in the area for decades, are now facing intense pressure and fear regarding their housing security. The tenants have sought assistance from ACCE, a statewide renter advocacy organization, to combat Chavis’s eviction attempts and address issues with rent and building maintenance. The city attorney of Oakland has issued a warning letter to Chavis, urging him to cease his allegedly unlawful practices. Valarie Bachelor, ACCE's Oakland director, highlighted the troubling nature of using immigration status as an intimidation tactic, particularly in the current political climate.

The situation is exacerbated by a rise in ICE raids across California, prompting community solidarity actions against such measures. Court records indicate that Chavis has a history of legal disputes related to similar issues, underscoring a pattern of behavior that raises concerns among tenants. As they strive to secure their rights, the residents of the Fruitvale property are navigating a challenging landscape of housing insecurity and fear of displacement.