Dykema Secures Significant Victory for Low-Income Tenant in Pro Bono Housing Case

Dykema is proud to announce a significant pro bono victory on behalf of a low-income single mother and her two children, successfully resolving longstanding housing violations that severely impacted the family’s health and well-being. Shannon McKeon accepted the matter through a referral from the Children’s Law Center.

Rather than being a typical, straightforward landlord-tenant dispute, the case involved extensive and hazardous living conditions, including persistent mold, confirmed asbestos, and other serious code violations that caused respiratory and dermatological issues for the client and family. For months, the family was forced to sleep on their living room floor to avoid the most uninhabitable parts of their home.

As the matter unfolded, Dykema attorneys learned that government enforcement actions had also been brought against certain property management companies responsible for similar conditions in the same residential complex. Working closely with Dykema colleague Joanne Zimolzak, Shannon filed suit in D.C. Superior Court alleging negligence, breach of the implied warranty of habitability, and violations of area housing laws.

Dykema successfully opposed an attempt to stay the case pending resolution of related proceedings. This key ruling enabled the client’s case to proceed on its own merits.

The matter was resolved through mediation and has resulted in meaningful relief for the family. The outcome will allow them to obtain safe housing, replace essential belongings, and move forward in a healthier, more stable environment.