Landlord Attempting to Evict Disabled Elders
October 2, 2025: Disabled Seniors at Risk of Losing Their Home
Learn about this urgent situation and find out how to help
Urgent Situation
Eviction Attempt
Elizabeth Connell, the owner and landlord of a six-unit apartment building on Dolores Street in San Francisco, has filed an eviction lawsuit against Michael Epstein and his two housemates. Mr. Epstein has lived in his rent-controlled apartment since 1977, when it was still owned by Elizabeth Connell’s parents before it became hers. All three tenants live quietly on fixed incomes and have strong ties to their community. Each has ongoing health conditions, with one having recently undergone multiple heart surgeries. If evicted, these three seniors would likely have to move far away from their friends and family in San Francisco. They may be forced to live on the streets. Mr. Epstein has been in his apartment for over 45 years, and he and his housemates deserve and depend on being able to stay in their home.
Michael Epstein, Pedro the dog, Brian Harrigton, and Segundo Diaz (not pictured) face eviction
WE MUST ACT NOW
As Vulnerable Renters, They Need Your Help!
In 2023, Elizabeth Connell filed a lawsuit to evict the disabled senior citizens. They have now been fighting to remain in their home for over two years. The prolonged stress and uncertainty have taken a serious toll on their health, exacerbating existing conditions and requiring ongoing care. Stable housing is a vital part of their well-being. The senior citizens dispute the reasons behind the eviction attempt, maintaining that the pretext provided is false. We believe that evicting elderly disabled renters with significant health challenges and limited resources is unjust. These residents deserve to age in place with dignity and security—not to be displaced from the city they have called home for decades.
A SYSTEM STACKED AGAINST TENANTS
Meet the Landlord’s Attorneys
The landlord in this case is represented by attorneys from Nixon Peabody LLP. One of the attorneys on the case is Ashley E. Klein. According to her official firm biography, Ashley represents: Real estate developers ; Real estate investment trusts ; Property management companies ; and Landlords .
She has also presented with the San Francisco Apartment Association and the San Francisco Association of Realtors.
You can read Ashley Klein’s firm profile here: Attorney Profile.
Other attorneys from Nixon Peabody LLP have also been involved in this case at different times, including:
• Alexandra Azad: Attorney profile
• Laura L. Campbell: Attorney profile
• Jaimie Bombard: Attorney profile
Additionally, Lauren E. Jones, currently with KMTG, has also represented the landlord in this case: Attorney Profile.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
We need your help!
Support Tenant Organizing
This fight is bigger than one household. Across San Francisco, tenants face displacement, eviction, and harassment from landlords with vast resources on their side.
In Michael’s case, the support of Tenants and Neighborhood Councils (TANC) and the San Francisco Tenants Union has been invaluable. These volunteer-run organizations give their time, knowledge, and solidarity to help renters stand up to eviction and remain in their homes.
If you want to take action, please donate directly to these groups: Tenants and Neighborhood Councils (TANC) and San Francisco Tenants Union.
Your contribution will strengthen collective efforts to keep tenants like Michael housed and to resist unjust evictions throughout the city.
Please help us prevent this eviction of vulnerable seniors!