Archive: Mar 2019

  1. How do I apply for subsidized housing?

    Comments Off on How do I apply for subsidized housing?

    What are the main types of subsidized housing?

    1. HUD Project-Based Housing (rent based on your income)
    2. Low Income Housing Tax Credit Housing (rent based on Philadelphia median income)
    3. Public Housing (rent based on your income)
    4. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (rent based on your income)

    How can I apply for HUD Project-Based or Low Income Housing Tax Credit Housing?

    • For a list of housing developments, go to PAHousingSearch and select county and preferred bedroom size. You can also search for project-based or LIHTC developments on the HUD Resource Locator Map.
    • Call each housing development or go in person to find out if the development is accepting applications.
    • Submit an application and follow up at least once per year to update your application and confirm that you are still on the waitlist.

    How can I apply for Public Housing?

    • The waitlist for conventional Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) public housing is closed.
    • The waitlist for PHA public housing for seniors and people with disabilities is open.
    • The waitlists for non-PHA public housing are open.

    You can apply:

    • By Phone: Call PHA at 215-684-4000
    • In Person: Go to PHA Admissions at 2013 Ridge Ave (near Ridge and Master Streets)
    • Online: Review the online application.

    How can I apply for a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher?

    Visit Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) Admissions to see if the waiting list is open.

    If the waiting list is open, it will ask for:

    • your phone number
    • the address where you live (if you have one)
    • a mailing address
    • the combined annual income for the household
    • your Head of Household’s full name, date of birth, and Social Security number or Alien Registration number (if you have one)

  2. Can my landlord increase my rent?

    Comments Off on Can my landlord increase my rent?

    Can my landlord increase my rent?

    There are no rent control or stabilization laws in Pennsylvania, so your landlord is permitted to increase your rent.

    When can my landlord increase my rent?

    Generally, the landlord can only increase your rent at the end of a lease term unless your lease says otherwise.  Most lease terms are 2 year, 1 year, or month to month.

    Philadelphia Code § 9-804 (11) requires that the landlord give at least 60 day notice of rent increase for leases with a term of 1 year or more and at least 30 day notice of rent increase for leases with a term of less than one year.  Your lease may require even more advance notice.

    If your landlord is not giving proper notice or is improperly raising rent in the middle of your lease term, you can send your landlord a letter stating why the rent increase violates your lease and you will not pay the new amount. Keep a copy of the letter.

    Can I negotiate a rent increase?

    You always have the right to negotiate with your landlord. You can ask the landlord to keep the rent at the same rate or ask for a smaller increase. Landlords generally do not want to have to find new tenants. However, if you cannot come to an agreement with your landlord, your options are to pay the increase or move.

    My rent is subsidized. Can my landlord increase my rent?

    It is possible for the rent you pay to go up. For example, if your household income increases, your rent may increase after you report your new income to your subsidy provider. If you have a government rental subsidy and have questions about a rent increase, please seek legal help.

  3. How do I get my security deposit back?

    Comments Off on How do I get my security deposit back?

    How do I get my security deposit back?

    You can only request your full security deposit after you move out.

    • Before you move out
      • Send landlord a letter with the date that you are moving. Most leases require at least 30 day notice before leaving. For more information about moving out, visit I’m moving out. What steps should I take?
      • Leave the unit as clean as possible.
      • Take pictures of each room.
      • Do a walkthrough with the landlord, if possible.
    • After you move out
      • Return the keys to the landlord in person or by certified mail.
      • Send landlord a Security Deposit Request Letter (download sample). Keep a copy.
      • Your landlord has 30 days to respond to your request in writing.
        • If you disagree with your landlord’s response, you can sue for the amount of your security deposit.
        • If your landlord does not respond at all, you can sue for two times the amount of your security deposit.

    How do I sue for my security deposit?

    Be careful! Before you sue your landlord, be sure that you do not owe for rent or damages higher than your security deposit.  Here is the process:

    • Go to Municipal Court at 1339 Chestnut Street, 10th floor.
    • Ask to File a Small Claims Complaint. State how much money you are claiming. Include exhibits such as the lease and request letter.
    • Ask to File a Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (IFP). If the IFP is granted, you will not have to pay filing fees.  Download sample.

  4. I want to move out. What steps should I take?

    Comments Off on I want to move out. What steps should I take?

    How do I tell the landlord that I’m moving at the end of the lease term?

    • Most leases require that you give the landlord advance notice in writing before moving out at the end of the lease term.
      • If your lease is written, review your lease to determine the amount of notice you must give.  It is often 30 or 60 day notice.
      • If your lease is oral, the amount of notice is whatever you and your landlord have agreed upon.  It is best to give at least 30 day notice with oral leases.
      • Send the landlord a letter giving notice that you will be moving.  Be sure to sign and date and keep a copy for your records. If you cannot send a letter, send an email or text message.

    Can I move before the end of the lease term?

    • If you want to move out before the lease expires, you can try to negotiate with your landlord to end the lease early.
    • Your landlord may agree to let you:
      • End the lease without penalty.
      • End the lease, if you pay an early lease termination fee.
      • End the lease, if you find someone to sublet the property.
    • If your landlord agrees to let you move out early, try to get that agreement in writing or confirm the agreement by email.
    • If you need to move out immediately because the property is not safe or because of domestic violence or because of a disability, you may have the legal right to move out early without penalty.  However, you may want to request legal help.

    How should I move out?

    • Clean the rental property and take photos of each room. Before you return the keys, ask your landlord to inspect the property with you.
    • If you cannot return the keys in person, it is best to return them by certified mail.
    • Be sure that all your personal possessions are moved out as well. Otherwise, you risk losing these items permanently, because landlords can dispose of property left behind if they give you notice and you do not respond within ten days.

  5. Where can I get help paying rent or security deposit?

    Comments Off on Where can I get help paying rent or security deposit?

    For Households Facing Hardship Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

    COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) also known as Phase 4

    NOTE: As of January 7, 2022, Phase 4 Rental Assistance is closed for new applications.

    To check the status of an existing application, visit https://rent-assist.phila.gov/

    COVID-19 Homelessness Prevention Funds

    Congreso
    Email: congresohousing@congreso.net

    Esperanza
    Email: home@esperanza.us

    For Low-Income Households:

    • Office of Homeless Services (OHS)
      • Not accepting in-person applications at 1430 Cherry Street at this time.
      • Phone: 215-686-7177
      • Apply online
      • Assistance generally ranges from $0 – $1500
    • Philadelphia County Assistance Office
      • Not accepting applications at this time.
      • Phone: 215-560-1976
      • Address: 801 Market Street (near 8th & Market)
      • Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm
      • Very low-income tenants only.
      • Assistance generally ranges from $0 – $400
    • United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
      • Referral only.
      • Phone: 211
    • Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha
      • Accepting applications by appointment only.
      • Phone: 215-235-6070
      • Address: 600 Diamond St
    • Catholic Social Services (CSS)
      • Accepting applications at all locations by appointment only.
      • Help Line: 267-331-2490
      • CSS Northeast Family Service Center
        • Phone: 215-624-5920
        • Address: 7340 Jackson St (near Cottman & Torresdale)
      • CSS Southwest Family Service Center
        • Phone: 215-724-8550
        • Address: 6214 Grays St (near 62nd & Elmwood)
      • CSS North, Casa del Carmen Family Service Center
        • Phone: 267-331-2490
        • Address: 4400 N Reese St (near 5th & Cayuga)
    • HACE
      • Accepting applications at all locations by appointment only.
      • Frankford Ave
        • Phone: 215-437-7867
        • Address: 4660 Frankford Ave
      • Allegheny Ave
        • Address: 167 W Allegheny Ave
        • Phone: 215-426-8025
    • New Kensington CDC
      • Accepting applications by phone.
      • Phone: 215-427-0350
    • People’s Emergency Center
    • Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network (PIHN)
      • Accepting applications by phone.
      • Phone: 215-247-4663
      • Address: 7047 Germantown Ave (near Mt. Pleasant Ave)

    For Families with Children in Philadelphia Schools

    For Survivors of Domestic Violence

    For Veterans

    For Residents of Northwest Philadelphia

    19118, 19119, 19126, 19138, 19144 & 19150

    • Germantown Avenue Crisis Ministry
      • Accepting applications by phone. Processing may be delayed.
      • Monday through Wednesday, 9AM-2PM
      • 215-843-2340
      • 35 West Chelten Avenue
      • Assistance generally ranges from $300 – $400

    For Families with Children Involved in DHS

    • DHS Prevention Assistance Fund
      • Contact your case manager or social worker.

    For Households with a Person Living with HIV

    • Direct Emergency Financial Assistance (DEFA) grant
    • AIDS Fund: All Walks of Life grant

    For Utility Assistance

    What do I need?

    • Photo ID for all household members age 18 and over.
    • Social Security cards and Birth Certificates for all household members.
    • Proof of Income
      • Pay stubs (for last thirty days)
      • Employment letter (hrs, pay date(s), wages/salary)
      • Award Letter from Social Security office
      • Any other documentation of income
    • Proof of Assets such as bank statements or inheritance award letters
    • Lease Agreement
    • Eviction Notice and/or Court Documents

    What do I need from my landlord?

    • Rental License also called a Housing Inspection License
    • Certificate of Rental Suitability
    • W-9 signed by landlord
    • Letter with current rental balance signed and dated by landlord
Call Hotline
(267) 443-2500
Need Help?
Call Us