August housing resources for renters and landlords

Welcome signPhoto byDan MallonUnsplash

Updated September 6, 2023 to include the Eviction Diversion Program

Philly is beautiful, but it’s hard to find safe, affordable, well-maintained housing. Far too many hardworking people have experienced landlords who seem to intentionally buy properties in poor neighborhoods and refuse to maintain or repair their properties. Some landlords rack up countless building and safety violations with the City’s Department of Licensing and Inspection. Sadly some use their intentional neglect and maintenance issues as an illegal eviction tool. While others use the courts to evade consequences and ruin renters’ credit and rental history. In a rental market where there aren't a lot of rights and protections for renters or landlord oversight or accountability in the eviction process - Philly's rental market is a rough place for low-income and middle-class renters.

Here are a few resources to help both renters and landlords. Please feel free to drop any additional resources in the comments so I can update this list.

Eviction Diversion Program (EDP) and Funding

Click the article for detailed information on EDP, targeted funding for tenants, and the City’s new Landlord Gateway and Education series.

Free Tenant Rights Workshop

EVERY DAY EXCEPT SUNDAY Tenant Union Representative Network (TURN) KNOW YOUR RIGHTS- ATTEND A FREE TURN RENTER’S RIGHTS WORKSHOP Weekdays: 12:30 pm — Monday & Wednesday- 6:00 PM Call TURN to register (267) 635–4130 or register online

Talk to Reebs Show on WJYN 98.5 FMPhoto byTalk to Reebs Show

Did you know there was a show that focused on renter's rights with an attorney who fights for Philly tenants’ rights every day? Check Out: The Talk To Reebs Show’s Renter’s Rights Series With Host E. Marie Lambert Featuring: Attorney Riquan King & Alice the Housing Advocate Uptown Radio 98.5 Instagram and Facebook
Just click on one of the links to watch or listen to recorded shows

Right to Counsel - New Zip Codes Added

Right to CounselPhoto byPhilly Tenant.org

Updated - August 28, 2023 - Original Post: 1/30/2023 - For more information, Free Eviction Legal Help

Fall weatherPhoto byErik McleanonUnsplash

WHAT IF YOUR PROPERTY DOESN’T HAVE HEAT OR IT’S BROKEN?

Fall is coming and winter is around the corner - test your heat before you need it:

Check out Broke In Philly’s Heat Tweet and The Philadelphia Inquirer’s articles

From Oct. 1 to April 30, landlords must ensure that heating in a rental unit is capable of maintaining a room temperature of 68 degrees, according to Philadelphia’s property maintenance code. This also applies to May and September if temperatures drop below 60 degrees. Philadelphia Inquirer

More Resources: Broke in Philly Article, PhillyTenant.org and City’s Stay Warm PHL

Home repairPhoto byBernie AlmanzaronUnsplash

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAVE MAJOR RENTAL REPAIR ISSUES (like plumbing, electrical, infestations, etc.)

1. DON’T PANIC - YOU’RE NOT ALONE! THERE’S HELP & HOPE
2. REPORT ALL REPAIRS TO THE LANDLORD BY EMAIL
3. TAKE PICTURES & WRITE DOWN THE REPAIR TICKET NUMBER, DATES
4. 1. If you reported the repairs and they haven’t been fixed after a reasonable time call 311 or submit an online complaint to licensing and inspections
5. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS- ATTEND A FREE TURN RENTER’S RIGHTS WORKSHOP
6. 1. Call TURN to register (267) 635-4130 or register online
7. GET ACTIVE - GATHER RESOURCES & GET ORGANIZED
8. 1. If you’re being evicted - Click here for legal help from Legal Aid, LCD, etc.
   2. For City’s Eviction Diversion Program link and a video of how to prepare for court How to Prepare for Landlord-Tenant Court if You are Facing Eviction

BedroomPhoto byshche_ teamonUnsplash

Need Affordable Rental or Shared Housing

Affordable Housing Facebook Group w/ Single and Shared Housing

Kiva Living - - Single Affordable Housing Units w/ private bathrooms, washer, etc.

The City’s Housing Website

Thank you for reading and please feel free to add more resources in the comments.

This is an updated and abridged version of GFC's Housing Resource Guide originally published January 2023