Can't Pay Rent in Pittsburgh: What Are My Options?

What the law says

1. 1

   Before an eviction, your landlord must first give you a written notice to quit, a letter saying you must move out. For unpaid rent, the notice must give you 10 days counted from the day it is served. Your landlord can give less time or skip this notice only if your lease says so.

   Sources:

   1. 68 P.S. § 250.501(b), Pennsylvania General Assembly. Law.
   2. Consumer Guide to Tenant and Landlord Rights (Version 1.1, June 13, 2022), Part V.C.1, Notice to Quit, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. A government guide.

Get help paying rent

2. 2

   Pittsburgh's Housing Stabilization Program gives one-time or short-term money to households facing a temporary, non-recurring housing crisis. You must rent within City of Pittsburgh boundaries. You can get up to $6,000 in total. You can apply once every 3 years. Your household income must be at or below 50% of the area median income. See the 50% column of the program's 2026 income chart.

   Source:

   1. Housing Stabilization Program page (live page, fetched September 22, 2026), Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh. A government guide.
3. 3

   To be screened for the Housing Stabilization Program, call Action Housing at 412-248-0021 or email rentalassistance@actionhousing.org. Calls are free and confidential. Before you apply, gather the required documents. These are proof of income, such as pay stubs, and proof of need, such as a late notice or eviction notice.

   Source:

   1. Housing Stabilization Program page, How to Apply (live page, fetched September 22, 2026), Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh. A government guide.
4. 4

   Rent help may be available through your county's Homeless Assistance Program. If you are in danger of being evicted, your county may help pay rent, security deposits, and utilities (water, electric, gas). Your county provider will work hard with your landlord to maximize your chances for staying, or help you find a more affordable apartment. Each county's income limit must fall between 100 and 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. For one person in 2026, that is $15,960 to $31,920 a year. Use the state's county contact list to find help.

   Sources:

   1. Homeless Assistance Program page, Available Services, Rental Assistance (live page, fetched September 22, 2026), Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. A government guide.
   2. 2026 Poverty Guidelines, detailed chart, 48 Contiguous States, Dollars Per Year, household size 1, columns 50% to 185%, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ASPE. A government guide.

If you still cannot pay

5. 5

   In Allegheny County, your landlord must file the eviction case at the Magisterial District Court for the area where you live. The court must set a hearing between 7 and 15 days after the complaint is filed. This process is for cases of $12,000 or less. Bigger claims go to the Court of Common Pleas instead.

   Source:

   1. How an Eviction Case Proceeds Through Allegheny County Courts, Step 1 (Complaint), Allegheny County Department of Human Services. A government guide.
6. 6

   If the eviction is only for unpaid rent, you can stop it at any time before you are actually removed. Pay the constable or sheriff carrying out the eviction. Pay the amount owed under the order of possession (the court order telling the officer to give the home back to your landlord). That is the rent in arrears (past-due rent you have not paid) plus the costs. The officer must accept the payment and give you a signed receipt.

   Sources:

   1. 68 P.S. § 250.503(c), Pennsylvania General Assembly. Law.
   2. Eviction Support guide (September 2020), item 11, Satisfaction of Order by Payment of Rent and Costs, Allegheny County Department of Human Services. A government guide.
7. 7

   Pittsburgh's Housing Opportunity Fund has a Legal Assistance Program. It offers free housing legal services to tenants who qualify and live in the City of Pittsburgh. Services include mediation (a meeting where a neutral person helps you and your landlord agree). They also include full legal representation, a lawyer for your case. Call 412-255-6694 or email HOF@ura.org.

   Source:

   1. Housing Opportunity Fund Programs page, Legal Assistance Program (live page, fetched September 22, 2026), Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh. A government guide.