Tenant Victims of Foreclosure Fight for Water and the Right to Stay

Bay Area tenants are being intimidated by banks and their agents to leave their homes, which have become "bank owned" through foreclosure, so that the homes can be auctioned off or cleared out for sale. These evictions highlight one way the subprime and foreclosure crisis is contributing to displacement and gentrification.

In Kim Isaac's case, Countrywide Bank hired realtor Matt Murphy to act as property manager for the duplex where Kim and seven of her children live in West Oakland. When the bank tried to evict her in June, with an offer of only $1000 to move, Kim knew her rights. She fought the illegal eviction and the case was thrown out in Court. In Oakland, this type of eviction is illegal due to the existence of the Just Cause Eviction Law passed in 2002.

Despite failing to evict Kim, Countrywide and their agent continue to try to force her to move. In addition to offering (often minimal) cash for keys without explaining the right to stay, one tactic of intimidation used to make people leave their homes is refusing to pay for utilities, even those that the landlord / bank is responsible for. Kim Isaac's water has not been paid for by Countrywide or its agent since July of this year. On Thursday, December 13th, EBMUD turned off the water to Isaak's apartment. The next day, Kim and her seven children, including a 6 month old baby, had to boil jugs of water on the stove in order to bathe. Only after Isaac and a delegation from Cause Oakland went to the EBMUD office and demanded the water be turned back on, did the agency agree to turn the water on and give the landlord a 1-week extension to pay the bill.

The next day, Countrywide changed real estate agents, claiming that they were not aware the first agent had not paid the water bill. The letter introducing Countrywide's new agent, Darren Tinsley, stated that he will try to illegally evict the family - again!

Just Cause Oakland and supporters held a press conference on December 21, outside the the Isaac family's home. The action highlighted how evictions by banks like Countrywide contribute to gentrification and displacement of working class people of color in Oakland. Kim shared her story, emphasizing that others shouldn't have to go through what she has. Just Cause members shared information about existing housing rights and resources for renters and homeowners affected by foreclosure, with the message to banks and their agents that they need to respect the Just Cause Eviction law and other tenant protections. We were also joined by Andy Katz, an EBMUD board member, who promised to work with Just Cause Oakland to improve EBMUD policies and ensure people in Kim's situation do not lose water service in the future.

Watch for more updates on the Isaac family's situation and Just Cause's work fighting displacement and the foreclosure crisis.