We were lucky to catch up with Troy Pearson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Troy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
In California, every tenant is entitled to a rental unit that is safe and habitable. Often times, my firm sees “slumlords” not doing the necessary maintenance and upkeep of the property. As a result of the deteriorating conditions and lack of pest control, issues such as mold, cockroach and mice infestations begin. The tenants are left to suffer while paying rent in full. Many have complained to the deaf ears of their property managers or landlord. If the tenant complains, often they are retaliated against (harassment, evictions etc.). My office helps those tenants in need and protects them from any harassment or retaliation. We pursue compensation for these tenants; for the stress caused by the conditions and the back rent paid.
Troy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Troy Pearson and I am the owner of The Law Office of Troy M. Pearson, APC. We serve and protect the rights of tenants against slumlords. Often, my clients are taken advantage of and forced to live in uninhabitable conditions such as a severe prolonged cockroach or rodent infestation. It is against the law in California to collect rent while the tenant lives in squalor-like conditions. My clients come to me frustrated and fearful of retaliation if they complain. My office steps in; protects the tenants from retaliation, aids them in contacting local authorities, such as code enforcement, and pursues compensation on their behalf against their landlord. My office recently deployed a mobile office, so that we can investigate uninhabitable properties more thoroughly. Tenants are welcomed to meet with myself for a free consultation, if they believe they are suffering from uninhabitable, unsafe conditions. I am proud that I am able to help those who are less fortunate and enduring horrible living conditions. With the compensation received, my clients are able to move to a better place. Sometimes, the landlord corrects the issue(s) going forward, which is a positive for the community. It’s very humbling to know I make a positive impact on the lives of my clients and the overall community.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Starting my own firm was a huge pivot in my life. It was unexpected because I was working at another firm and was suddenly let go. I remember that phone call and getting off the phone, with a sinking sensation in my gut. I was devastated and even wondered if law was the correct path for me. With the little money I had, I rented a small office and began to take in all types of cases. From family law, drafting trusts, wills, and contracts, to taking personal injury clients, I began to develop a case load with steady clients. Then, my past clients began to refer me their family members and friends. It was really great having a steady flow of business but it was challenging because I was spread thin, doing so many different areas of law and developing the business was challenging. Over time, as my client base grew, I was able to be more picky about which cases I took on. My intentions have always been to help those in need and I’ve always had a soft spot for wanting to serve and help others less fortunate. I began to focus on landlord/tenant law, specifically, cases involving uninhabitable conditions, where tenants with less means were being taken advantage of. Realizing there was a segment of the tenant population that was underserved and living in squalor-like conditions, I knew there was a need to help them and so pursued it. I’m like Robinhood, I take from the rich and give back to the poor, which I love.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Some books that I like and have impacted my personal and professional life are:
- The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
- Never Split The Difference by Chris Voss
- Chop Wood Carry Water by Joshua Medcalf
Contact Info:
- Website: https://slumlordattorney.com/
- Instagram: @t.m.p.858 or @slumlordattorney
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tpearsonlaw/