>From: Shawn and Lori <[log in to unmask]> Hi, Well, I'm a New Jersey lawyer, and know NOTHING about N.C. law, so I'd suggest that you find a N.C. lawyer pronto - each state has a method of providing free lawyers for those in need, and since you may be evicted, you qualify. That being said, in NJ two defenses exist: cats and small caged animals are considered "de minimus" and the burden of proof rests on the landlord to present evidence of their being a nuisance in order to evict. In addition, they would be considered "estopped by laches", a technical term that means that you lose your rights if you don't exercise them. The latter is rather technical, and you need a lawyer to plead it for you; the former may save you if NC is like NJ. Good luck! Ciao, Sonam Dasara [Posted in FML issue 4484]