A class action lawsuit is being filed against the Omaha Housing Authority in federal court for multiple violations.

OMAHA, Nebraska (WOWT) – A class action lawsuit is currently pending in federal court against the Omaha Housing Authority.

Several tenants believe OHA withheld information that would have saved them money and prevented some evictions. The lawsuit involves former and current tenants who were allegedly affected.

The suit alleges that OHA failed to inform tenants that the agency could waive the $50-a-month minimum rent if families were experiencing financial difficulties. It also alleges that OHA not only concealed information about the waiver but even charged late fees and even filed eviction cases when tenants couldn’t pay.

“So the minimum rent is $50 a month, and late fees on the minimum rent are $25,” said attorney Diane Uchiumiya. “I think to a lot of people that doesn’t sound like a lot, but if you don’t have the income, you see that’s 50% of my rent.”

The other issue raised in the lawsuit is that tenants whose rent was increased were not offered an informal or formal hearing, as required by law.

“There were people who were in eviction proceedings who were denied information about this legal right, and so people ended up being evicted instead of, again, receiving these legal rights that the federal housing law grants them.”

The lawsuit alleges that OHA has violated and continues to violate federal law – and that these violations have been going on for several years.

“We’re claiming the Omaha Housing Authority failed to issue a notice that it should have issued broadly,” said attorney Pamela Car. “That means it affects a large number of people, in some cases possibly everyone.”

In one alleged case, the lawsuit says a tenant sold her blood plasma to make money even though she was never informed of her right to a hardship exemption. She had to stop doing so when her iron levels dropped too low.

“It’s an incredible situation and I find it extraordinarily heartless when someone comes to you and says, ‘This is what I’m doing to try to pay off my debts.'”

Both tenants’ lawyers express their hope that an agreement can be reached with the OHA.

“I think we would hope that the Omaha Housing Authority would look at the federal law and try to comply in the future based on what the law says and what we’re claiming. We also hope that they would recognize people who have paid money that they may not have had to pay if they had complied with the law. They’re not being told how to apply. Instead, they may end up homeless. Where do they go? Where are they supposed to go? What are they supposed to do if they can’t stay in public housing because they can’t pay?”

OHA told 6 News it could not comment on pending litigation. Attorneys said they were waiting for a response from the housing authority.

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