Landlord Attempting to Evict Disabled Elders
November 17, 2025: Trial Delayed After Landlord’s Attorneys File Notice of Unavailability — Disabled Seniors Remain in Limbo as Eviction Case Continues
Learn about this urgent situation and find out how to help
Case Update: Landlord’s Attorneys Delay Trial
Delay Puts Elderly Tenants at Risk
The trial was scheduled to begin October 27, 2025. Nixon Peabody, the landlord’s attorneys, filed a notice of unavailability, possibly delaying the trial by months. Michael and his housemates remain in limbo, facing continued uncertainty about their housing. Because Michael is 75 and disabled, every month of delay increases the danger that he may never see his day in court. The prolonged stress and uncertainty have taken a serious toll on their health, exacerbating existing conditions. Delays can function as pressure tactics when seniors are involved, making time itself a factor in the outcome. While the legal case is delayed, our organizing cannot be. We will use this time to build visibility, strengthen alliances, and ensure these neighbors are not forgotten.
Read the official Notice of Unavailability filed by the landlord’s attorneys →
Waiting for justice—every delay weighs heavier on elderly tenants.
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.
Read the landlord’s court filing regarding this website and their attempt to prevent discussion of the tenants’ age, health, and vulnerabilities: View Filing (PDF)
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!