Facing a possible eviction? Here are some resources that might help

In Shelby County, eviction hearings rarely turn out well for tenants. 

Judges grant evictions about 80% of the time, according to a recent study.  

To have a chance at being spared, tenants need legal help, but it’s often tough to find that assistance. 

To help, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism compiled this list of resources for renters at risk of losing their homes.

Resources

Neighborhood Preservation Inc.

Shelby County residents facing eviction can request free legal assistance through Neighborhood Preservation Inc. by clicking here and filling out the form. 

901 Legal Connect

Residents of Shelby, Fayette, Tipton and Lauderdale counties can also apply for legal help by visiting 901legalconnect.org, clicking “Get started here” and filling out that form. 

Learn about your rights

All Tennessee residents can use renterdefender.org or tn.freelegalanswers.org to learn more about their rights, the eviction process and how to get help. 

Regional help

You can also call your regional legal aid office (to find your county’s region, click here):

Memphis Area Legal Services: (901) 523-8822

West TN Legal Services, Inc. (731) 423-0616

Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands: (800) 238-1443

Legal Aid of East Tennessee: (865) 637-0484

Memphis Area Legal Services regularly operates two free legal clinics:

One occurs in room 134 of the General Sessions Civil Court courthouse, 140 Adams Ave., from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month

The other takes place at Benjamin J. Hooks Central Library, 3030 Poplar Ave., from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the second Saturday of most months. You can call MALS (number above) or check the library’s calendar of events to confirm for a specific day. 

Memphis Public Interest Law Center

The Memphis Public Interest Law Center offers a hotline for help understanding the eviction process and your rights as a renter: 1-833-7RENTER (1-833-773-6837)

It also offers a helpful Q&A on renters’ rights, which you can read here.