Right to Counsel
Detroit’s Right to Counsel program gives eligible renters facing eviction access to a free attorney.
Have an eviction hearing coming up? Call the Eviction Defense Helpline at (313) 725-4646.
If you have court papers, keep them handy so you can share your case number and hearing date.
Do you need emergency shelter? Call CAM Detroit at (313) 305-0311 to ask about shelter and other services for people experiencing homelessness.
Who May Qualify
You may qualify if you rent your home in Detroit, are facing eviction, and your household income before taxes is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. The income limit depends on your household size. Call the helpline if you’re unsure whether you qualify.
How to Get Help
Before your hearing:
Call as soon as you get court papers. Our team can ask about your case, check whether you qualify, and explain what help is available.
At your hearing:
If your case is at Detroit’s 36th District Court, look for the Right to Counsel team near the landlord-tenant division. They can check whether you qualify and help you connect with legal support.
What an Attorney Can Do
An attorney can review your case, explain your options, and speak for you in court. They can also help you understand what an agreement or court order means for you.
Program Partners
United Community Housing Coalition administers Detroit’s Right to Counsel program in partnership with Michigan Legal Services, Lakeshore Legal Aid, and Legal Aid and Defender Association.
Advocating for Systemic Change
United Community Housing Coalition (UCHC) was instrumental in making Detroit the first city in Michigan to guarantee a Right to Counsel for low-income tenants facing eviction. As a key stakeholder and leader in this historic effort, UCHC helped lay the groundwork for the program by helping organize the Detroit Eviction Right to Counsel Summit in 2019. This summit brought together city officials, housing advocates, legal experts, and community organizations to explore strategies for addressing Detroit’s housing crisis and creating a path toward housing justice.
Through tireless advocacy and collaboration, UCHC worked with partners to secure funding, shape policies, and establish the framework for Detroit’s Right to Counsel program. The result is a groundbreaking initiative that has significantly reduced evictions, promoted housing stability, and ensured that tenants have the legal resources they need to protect their rights.
Ongoing Advocacy Efforts
Building on this success, UCHC continues to advocate for the expansion of Right to Counsel laws across Michigan. By partnering with local governments, housing advocates, and community stakeholders, UCHC is working to ensure that housing is recognized as a fundamental human right and that tenants statewide have access to the justice they deserve.