Photo by PoPville flickr user Jordan Barab
“Dear PoPville,
A neighbor of mine owns a nail salon. She’s run into some troubles and asked for assistance. I’m hoping someone here might be able to help:
1. She has sublet a portion of her salon’s lease to someone else (legally, owner of the building is aware) who has not paid her rent and owes $7k. I assume she needs to take her to small claims court, but does not believe her English is good enough to contact attorneys. Does anyone know of a resource that might help her?
2.
The subletter’s husband has been doing construction to the space and is not licensed. I know DC Government offers translation services, and can point her in the right direction for that, but I’m not sure which agency she contacts to report the unlicensed construction. DCRA?
Appreciate any help anyone can give!”