Tenant law in plain language
Pittsburgh

Where Can I Get Rent Assistance or Eviction Help in Pittsburgh?

Published by Nazanin · September 23, 2026

This is Pittsburgh's list of local help for renters. It covers Pennsylvania statewide groups and Pittsburgh and Allegheny County organizations. Each listing says what the group does, who it serves, and how to reach it. If your landlord has not filed in court, try mediation (a meeting where a neutral person helps you and your landlord agree). Once they have filed, call legal aid or ask about Lawyer of the Day. For repairs, discrimination, or a utility bill, use the agency that matches your problem below.

Not legal advice. Each answer below links to where it comes from. Read it before you act. If you need legal help, contact a legal aid office near you.
  • Just Mediation Pittsburgh

    Just Mediation Pittsburgh offers mediation (a neutral person who helps both sides agree) as a free alternative to going to court. It is for landlords and tenants who have a housing conflict. The service is confidential and voluntary: you choose whether to take part. Call 412-228-0730 or email info@justmediationpgh.org. Wait times can be longer than 21 days, so ask early.

    ✓ Details checked September 23, 2026

  • Neighborhood Legal Services

    Neighborhood Legal Services gives legal help to people with low income in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, and Lawrence Counties. They handle landlord-tenant defense, wrongful eviction, public or subsidized housing denials, and utility or security deposit issues. Not everyone gets a lawyer: some get full representation, some get advice, and some get a referral. Call the intake line at 1-866-761-6572.

    ✓ Details checked September 23, 2026

  • RentHelpPGH

    Lawyer of the Day is Pittsburgh and Allegheny County's program for right to counsel: getting a lawyer for your eviction hearing. In some courts, RentHelpPGH contacts tenants by text, call, or email 7 to 10 days before their hearing. They connect you with a lawyer from Neighborhood Legal Services or Ebony Law and help you apply for rental assistance (money to help pay rent).

    ✓ Details checked September 23, 2026

  • Community Justice Project

    Community Justice Project is a nonprofit that gives free legal representation to people with low income. Their case areas include housing, public benefits, employment, and immigration. Their Pittsburgh office is reachable at 412-434-6002, or toll-free at 866-482-3076.

    ✓ Details checked September 23, 2026

  • Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations

    The Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations takes complaints if a housing provider discriminated against you. Call 412-255-2600 or email human.relations@pittsburghpa.gov. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. You must schedule a time to file a complaint; they do not take walk-ins.

    ✓ Details checked September 23, 2026

  • RenterLaw editorial

    Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI) enforces the city code on health and safety in buildings. To report a problem, call 311, or 412-255-2621 outside the city, or file an online complaint. 311 is for non-emergency concerns. Give as much detail as you can so they can help. You can report without giving your name if you do not need a reply. Your request goes to a PLI inspector, who will investigate. One caution from legal aid: for very bad conditions, an inspector can condemn the home and make everyone leave.

    ✓ Details checked September 23, 2026

  • Allegheny County Health Department

    The Allegheny County Health Department’s Housing and Community Environment Program handles complaints about housing code violations. This includes problems with a rental home, and vacant lots or abandoned homes nearby. The housing code sets rules for keeping a property safe inside and out. Call the county at 412-350-4636 or 800-581-9145.

    ✓ Details checked September 23, 2026

  • Allegheny Housing Stabilization Collaborative (Action Housing)

    The Allegheny Housing Stabilization Collaborative (AHSC) is a network of groups that helps renters facing eviction stay in their home. You may qualify with an active eviction case. You may qualify with a signed agreement from mediation (a meeting where a neutral person helps you and your landlord agree) with Just Mediation Pittsburgh. Approval is not guaranteed. It depends on who qualifies and on funding. Call 412-248-0021 or email rentalassistance@actionhousing.org. The drop-in center closed for good on June 30, 2026. The program still helps by phone and email.

    ✓ Details checked September 23, 2026

  • Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh

    The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) provides affordable housing for people with low income. This includes public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers, known as Section 8 (help paying rent in a private apartment). More than half of HACP's residents use a voucher to rent from a private landlord. Call 412-456-5000 to ask about applying.

    ✓ Details checked September 23, 2026

  • Dollar Energy Fund

    Dollar Energy Fund helps people with low income keep or restore gas, water, and electric service. Start by contacting your utility company. They will check if you qualify for a grant and connect you to a local partner agency or the online application. Call 1-888-282-6816 for help.

    ✓ Details checked September 23, 2026

  • PA 211 Southwest

    PA 211 Southwest connects you to local help by phone. Dial 211, or text your zip code to 898-211, to speak with a resource specialist today.

    ✓ Details checked September 23, 2026

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