Still, some immigrants, both documented and undocumented, have made it out of their apartment lease without being held liable for damages. Atlanta Legal Aid has successfully prosecuted several cases in housing court, Coleman says. We can usually achieve a settlement where we get damages for the plaintiff. The Latin American Association, which is funded by contributions, the United Way and grants, is putting more resources into educating the Atlanta Hispanic community about housing. Or, you never sign a document if you don't read it, and if you can't read, take it to someone who can explain it to you.
Tenants also can complain to the city or county's housing code enforcement.
Problem is, the violations can sometimes be so severe that the apartment is shut down, leaving the tenants with no home. The landlords will pick up and leave. But despite all the legal options, the main struggle is convincing illegal immigrants to pursue them in the first place. Because usually in Latino communities, the governments are corrupt and it's very political, unless you know the right people, the right family. While it might not seem prudent to fight the very system that allows them to have an apartment in America, illegal immigrants don't run a big risk of being deported if they speak out, say lawyers in Atlanta's Hispanic community.