Eviction Defense Network - Los Angeles, California

Philippa Mayall

The most valuable service to help you with your eviction in Los Angeles. If it weren’t for these organization, people, thousands of people, would be living on the streets from being evicted. Elena Pop recognized there was an information gap because tenants have no education about eviction. and set out to fill that gap.

The thousands of people who would be on the street today are in their homes. I don’t know why people say it’s a scam and they’re taking money. The only money I’m paying is for a trial binder and if they make profit off that they can keep it because what I’ve had in return is, a huge amount of information and support. Besides that they’ve asked me for one dime not.

Absolutely they can’t guarantee to be in court with you. They can’t say you’re gonna be OK. 100% no no attorney can do that. That’s why they call it eviction defense network, they empower you.

There’s all sorts of paperwork that if you fill it out wrong you’ll be evicted on the day you go to court. But instead the thousands of people learned how to negotiate a deal with the landlord I can only imagine the people who say this place is a scam. Maybe an attorney from opposing council offices? .That’s all I can imagine. They’re not a scam at all.

Yaho Searc

During COVID-19, most of the landlord evict their tenants for money. Elena didn't help me. I feel there is a bias that she though I was not paying rent. Thus, she even told other party that she will help them to kick me out.
Pro: Having a lawyer is always a good choice because other party gave me a bad option during mediation. No stay house LA related law firm tried to help.
I learned how to fill out the court form.

Cons: I guess people know who I am now. My landlord is an abuser. She often hit me with elbow or flip me both when I was eating lunch time, so I fall on the ground or getting someone hitting me while having a lunch. After I signed the 3 months move out letter, my landlord barricaded the main door and doing a lock out.I believe she watch the physical assault video by my landlord when I have lunch after the case was settled, which was too late. But she went to the house and ask the landlord stop doing the lock out.

I feel we shouldn't feel sorry to ask for relocation fee like 10,000 if we move out if we have such a landlord like this.

Cristina Cabrera

It haven’t Ben good u come every day a I don’t get help .. they just pass like I don’t exist

Natalie Orona

I had court for an eviction I was going through. I was really under prepared. They were at the court house doing volunteer work. Long story short. They helped me so much ! Thank you guys! Enrique you rock!

Batgirl Live

Elena has over 40 years of experience and a hard working team behind her. No one is turned away. Highly recommend the TEP program . I learned how to represent myself and my family in court. It wasn’t easy by any means!!! And Sadly, , there aren’t enough lawyers to go around !!

Natalia S

I got bullied and ambushed by the “volunteer Ian” and his followers for asking a simple question of what “PIP” is during the webinar (which they were talking about non stop without giving any definition). When I told him that he was rude, they just started to harass and bully me. One person called me “disabled” and he was not banned from the webinar. As soon as I responded to him with exactly the same, I got banned. So it’s only their way to insult you or no way.

Turns out the webinars are only open to those who watch all their videos, have prior knowledge of their terminology/process and purchase their material/services. If you simply want to watch a webinar and ask a question, you’ll be bullied and discriminated if you are not one of them. Stay away, seems like a clan.

Barbara Standish

I lost my apartment, and home, of 13 years with this firm. I was degraded, belittled, lied to, insulted, and “not represented properly” as those were the judges words. Save your sanity and stay away. If the owner doesn’t like you she will ruin your life without remorse. I lost my case because she never returned my phone call, or opposing counsels phone call. Hence, I was not represented properly. Because she didn’t return phone calls, opposing counsel filed another motion in court. Then she put a lawyer on my case who was losing his license after my case. They will call you at 8PM and tell you to be in court the next day at 8AM. Like I said it’s personal. If she doesn’t like you, she will not care. When I was teary eyed in the office due to the stress and also losing my father a few months prior, which is how I ran behind on rent, I was told life happens and to get a therapist. No compassion. My landlords son took over and bullied me out of my rent control apartment and she promised it wouldn’t be on my record. Then told me whoops not with this case. (?) I spent $100 on photograph evidence that was never used once. I am thankful for karma because I know she will get hers. Stay away. Exercise your rights with someone who will have your back and act professional.

Abril Alexandra

EDN hosts Zoom webinars for tenants almost every single day of the week (except Sunday). This review is for EDN's Tenant Empowerment Program (also known as TEP) classes, which are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

These classes educate and empower tenants to fight their eviction cases. Tenants learn to navigate the legal process from beginning to end, while receiving support from EDN's dedicated employees, volunteers, and fellow students. As long as tenants follow the steps outlined in the class, they will be given the opportunity to discuss their case and have their documents reviewed with an attorney (director Elena Popp).

Before I continue, I would like to say that I'm the last person to believe that some Zoom classes could ever be "empowering." But after five months of attendance, I can truly say that TEP lives up to its name. If you've been denied, turned away, or sent in circles by other places offering assistance and end up in a Zoom class with Elena Popp, rest assured that YOU ARE IN THE RIGHT PLACE!!!

Yes, the legal info is a lot to take in at once, and it can be overwhelming. The direct, no-nonsense approach used can be jarring for first-timers. At first, it may seem like you are learning a completely different language. But the program will teach you to speak the language, as long as you are willing to learn and put in the work.

The scope of the class and what they cover is absolutely massive. They will follow you through your process as your case develops, while you learn how to file documents with the court, how to negotiate, when and how to meet court deadlines, and more. The employees and volunteers are some of the most committed and wonderful people I've ever met. Not only are they available nearly every weekday at the Mosk courthouse to help tenants in-person, but they often go the extra mile by providing individuals court support, helping file documents, and even acting as 1-on-1 navigators. The goal of the class is to effectively become the best litigant you can be. This comes with the reassurance that the program has a 99% success rate among its graduates.

I honestly don't know what I would have done without this program. The information I've learned about the legal process is absolutely invaluable. In my opinion, every single tenant who has to fight an eviction case from their landlord should have access to this program. The people here are some of the most committed humans I have ever known, and they truly want to see you succeed and win your case. They offer live Spanish interpretation during most classes (all provided by volunteers). There is even a Friday night meeting for tenants only (no legal advice), which is more of an emotional support meeting where you can vent about the process and all the feelings involved. I came out of this thing feeling like a part of something bigger, instead of feeling alone.

Remember, those who study each piece of informational content provided (I.e., watch all the videos!!!), attend class as much as possible, ask questions when they don't understand something, visit their courthouse to observe eviction trials, and follow directions have an almost 100% chance of success! So to tenants who are in eviction proceedings and have nowhere else to turn because literally every single legal provider is at capacity and cannot take on more cases - what do you have to lose?!

When we are struggling, we must always remember that we are not alone. When we come together, we become stronger. The best part is seeing students come to class after winning or settling the case in their favor. The outpouring of love and congratulations they receive is heartwarming and inspiring. When we fight, we win!