Press Release: Queer LifeSpace Strengthens Legal Battle Against Landlord by Filing Cross-Complaint, Urges Community Support to Safeguard Critical LGBTQIA+ Services
SAN FRANCISCO, CA, August 23, 2024 — Queer LifeSpace (QLS), a distinguished non-profit counseling agency dedicated to providing vital mental health services to the LGBTQIA+ community, is standing strong in its legal battle against its landlord, Regent West Ltd. The agency has filed a comprehensive cross-complaint in response to the landlord's baseless lawsuit, which seeks to extort unjustified payments from the organization despite an active lease agreement running through 2027.
After fighting against the threat of eviction — in which Queer LifeSpace held a well-attended anti-eviction rally this past May outside of their office at 2275 Market Street — landlord Regent West Ltd went ahead and filed a lawsuit against Queer LifeSpace. The lawsuit demands payment for alleged rent and other costs that have not been substantiated. These claims come after years of neglect by the landlord, who failed to maintain the property and only reappeared four years after the COVID-19 pandemic to impose these questionable charges. The lawsuit is widely seen as an attempt to push Queer LifeSpace out of its long-term location in the Castro to make way for higher-paying tenants or as an attempt to shake down existing tenants so that the landlord can make payments on their mortgage.
Conditional Land Use Provision Secured by Board of Supervisors
In a significant development, under the guidance of Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted to approve a conditional land use provision that protects Queer LifeSpace for the next 18 months. This provision imposes very specific requirements on any new tenant, making it considerably more difficult for the landlord to find a replacement for Queer LifeSpace, thus providing the organization with crucial time to continue its legal battle and secure its position.
Queer LifeSpace's Robust Legal Defense
Queer LifeSpace has engaged the pro bono legal services of Narayan Travelstead, a prominent LGBTQ-owned litigation law firm based in Pleasanton. The defense argues that the landlord's claims are not only unfounded but also constitute a breach of their legal obligations. The cross-complaint highlights that the landlord’s neglect and subsequent demands for payment are in violation of the lease agreement and California law.
Efforts to reach an amicable resolution have been thwarted by the landlords’ refusal to negotiate in good faith. Despite a meeting arranged by District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman’s office with the landlord's attorneys, in which he advocated for a fair solution, the landlord was unwilling to cooperate. This intransigence only strengthens Queer LifeSpace’s resolve to fight against the landlord’s unethical practices.
Discovery of Potential Fraud and Counter Complaint
Queer LifeSpace discovered via records released by ProPublica that the landlord had received and been forgiven by the federal government for two Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans during the pandemic. Despite receiving these financial gifts, the landlord is aggressively pursuing additional funds from Queer LifeSpace through bogus and illegitimate charges. This revelation raises serious concerns about potential fraud and adds weight to Queer LifeSpace’s cross-complaint, which seeks damages for the harm caused by the landlord's actions. The organization is determined to pursue this counterclaim aggressively, holding the landlord accountable for their unethical conduct.
Call to Action
Queer LifeSpace is under siege by a greedy landlord attempting to displace an essential service provider for the LGBTQIA+ community in San Francisco. This battle is not just about preserving a single organization; it’s about defending the rights of marginalized communities to access affordable mental health care. We call on our supporters, local leaders, and all who stand for justice to rally behind Queer LifeSpace by making a donation online. Together, we can ensure that this critical organization continues its life-saving work and that this unscrupulous landlord is brought to justice.
About Queer LifeSpace
Queer LifeSpace, located at 2275 Market Street, is a non-profit counseling agency dedicated to providing affordable mental health services to the LGBTQIA+ community in San Francisco. With a commitment to inclusivity and support, Queer LifeSpace offers individual, couples, and group counseling, along with several specialized programs for youth. Donations are the lifeblood of the organization and can be made online.
For more information, please contact:
Ryan MacCarrigan
Executive Director
rmaccarrigan@queerlifespace.org
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