University of Virginia Library

Couple
Battles
'Eviction'

By Barry Levine
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

A nursing student and her husband
have become involved in a reported
eviction attempt that is at the forefront
of a seething off-grounds housing dispute.

The matter was brought to the
attention of the Student Council Tuesday
night. Pat and Terry Shelar, residents of
an apartment at I University Court, and
Bob Pearson, a neighbor, described the
actions of Aubrey Strode, an alumnus of
the University and landlord of houses on
Mad Lane, Chancellor St., Gordon Ave.,
and Grady Ave.

Verbal Agreement

Mr. Shelar reported that he had
worked two months for Mr. Strode in a
verbally contracted agreement. Mr. Shelar got a
total of $150 from Mr. Strode, it was reported,
and when Mr. Shelar went to collect further
salary for rent payment, he was allegedly told
"not to worry" about the payments.

Earlier this week, Mr. Pearson accounted,
Mr. Strode attempted to "evict the Shelars
without prior notice of any kind," for owing
$600, while Mr. Shelar contends he was owed
$800 back salary by Mr. Strode.

The eviction was unsuccessful, however, and
the matter is now currently being investigated
by the Shelars' lawyer and the Council.

'Slum Lord'

Mr. Strode, called a "slum lord" by Mr.
Pearson, was allegedly negligent in repairing the
rooms he rented, and "pricing [the rents] the
way he wants." Exorbitant rents, fire hazards,
and a lack of repairs were the complaints that
were cited against Mr. Strode by Mr. Pearson
and others.

Mr. Strode could not be contacted for
comment.

The Council passed by a voice vote a motion
by Council President Kevin Mannix to work
with the Legal Advisor's Office to organize
students and negotiate with landlords.

Maryann McDermott, representative from
the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences,
urged those whose "landlord has refused to
fulfill his contractual obligations, or has
threatened or attempted to evict you," to
contact the Off-Grounds Grievance Board of
the Union of University Students through
either Miss McDermott or Bob Pearson or
through the Council.