Where Can I Get Rent Assistance or Eviction Help in Philadelphia?
This is not legal advice. We explain what the law says. We cannot tell you what to do in your situation. For that, talk to a lawyer. Some of the groups below can help.
For Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Change
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This is a directory of organizations that help Philadelphia renters. The city's main path to rental assistance (money to help pay rent) today runs through the Eviction Diversion Program, which your landlord must start. There is no separate program you can apply to on your own for this kind of help right now.
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City of Philadelphia, Eviction Diversion Program
Government office
Philadelphia's Eviction Diversion Program (EDP) is a free city program. It helps renters and landlords resolve disputes and avoid court. City law requires your landlord to take part in good faith (a real effort) before seeking an eviction. Only your landlord can apply. If you owe $3,500 or less and qualify, EDP may pay your landlord what you owe plus 2 months' rent. For questions about EDP, call the EDP Tenant Hotline at 215-523-9501, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Philadelphia Fair Housing Commission
Government office
Philadelphia's Fair Housing Commission hears unfair rental practice complaints. Examples: changing or ending a lease during open code violations; ending a lease under one year without good cause. Retaliation (punishing you for using a right) and self-help eviction (forcing you out without court) count. You must still live in the unit. Homes operated by PHA or HUD are excluded. With a Housing Choice Voucher, it reviews your lease to decide. It cannot take your complaint if your landlord already sued you in Municipal Court. File online or call (215) 686-4670.
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Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections
Government office
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) inspects existing buildings for code problems, including the property maintenance code. To complain, use 311's online form or call 311. From outside Philadelphia, call (215) 686-8686. For a home without heat from October 1 to April 15, L&I's response time is 3 business days. If an inspector finds a violation, the owner may have up to 35 days to fix it.
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Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC)
Government office
The Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC) says enrollment for FreshStartPHL move-in help is now closed. PHDC's PHLHousing+ pilot gives monthly cash for housing costs to households chosen from Philadelphia Housing Authority waiting lists. Taking part is by invitation only. If you need help paying back rent, your landlord can apply to the city's Eviction Diversion Program. For questions, call PHDC at 215-448-3000.
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Philadelphia Municipal Court, First Judicial District of Pennsylvania
Government office
The Philadelphia Municipal Court hears cases about a written or oral lease. Court interviewers help you fill out the papers. They cannot give legal advice. On your trial day, the Lawyer of the Day Program gives free, same-day representation if you qualify by income. If you do not have a lawyer and want to start a case, go to the First Filing Unit, 10th floor, 1339 Chestnut Street. For information, call 215-686-2901 or 215-686-7987.
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