Go to the Philadelphia Municipal Court docket to search for complaints filed by the owner of your property or complaints filed against the owner of your property.
Comments Off on How do I get a judgment off my credit?
Why should I pay a judgment?
Improve your tenant record.
Avoid having money taken from your wages or bank account.
Avoid termination from the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.
How do I pay a judgment?
Determine the exact amount owed. Sometimes you owe more than the judgment because the landlord paid writ fees to evict you—usually $130. Sometimes you owe less than the judgment because you made payments, the landlord deducted your security deposit or the landlord agreed to accept a reduced payment.
Get on a Payment Plan. If you cannot pay in full, contact the landlord to get on a written payment plan. The plan should state how much you owe, how much you will pay and how often.
Send money. Send money orders to the landlord at the address on the court papers. Keep your money order receipts.
What do I do after I pay a judgment?
Contact the landlord’s lawyer. Show proof that you paid the judgment and ask the lawyer to mark the judgment satisfied.
Contact the landlord. Ask the landlord to sign an Order to Mark Judgment Satisfied (download sample). Then, file it in Municipal Court at 1339 Chestnut Street, 10th Floor.
File a Petition to Satisfy if the landlord will not sign an Order to Mark Judgment Satisfied.
Go to Municipal Court at 1339 Chestnut Street, 10th floor.
Ask to File a Petition to Satisfy. You will need proof of all payments you made after the date of the judgment.
Comments Off on Can I file a Fair Housing Commission Complaint?
What is the Fair Housing Commission?
The Fair Housing Commission is a city agency empowered to enforce the Philadelphia Fair Housing Ordinance. The Commission hears complaints against landlords who engage in unfair rental practices.
What are some examples of Unfair Rental Practices?
Entering into a lease, changing a lease or terminating a lease on a property where there are open code violations.
Retaliating against a tenant for reporting code violations or exercising their legal rights.
You can file a complaint whenever the landlord has engaged in an unfair rental practice.
If your landlord already filed an eviction complaint against you in Municipal Court, then you cannot file a complaint with the Fair Housing Commission. However, you can raise unfair rental practices as a defense in Municipal Court.
Comments Off on I have a disability. Can I get a reasonable accommodation?
If your disability is impacting your housing, your landlord may be required to help. You just have to ask.
What is a reasonable accommodation?
Any change to polices, practices, procedures or services to allow accessibility and equal opportunity for a person with a disability. Examples include:
Installing ramps and hand railings to make a house wheelchair accessible.
Changing the date rent is due to coincide with the date you receive your disability check.
Allowing you to use a different entrance or park in a specific parking spot because of mobility issues.
Helping you transfer if your home is unsuitable due to your disability.
What is reasonable?
An accommodation request is reasonable if:
Your landlord does not have to spend an excessive amount of time or money.
Your landlord does not have to fundamentally change the services they provide.
The accommodation will actually address a need related to your disability.
Am I considered a person with a disability?
A person with a disability is someone who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities such as seeing, hearing, walking, breathing, performing manual tasks, caring for one’s self, learning, speaking, etc.
How do I request a reasonable accommodation?
Ask for a Disability Verification letter from a doctor, medical professional, peer support group, non-medical service agency or other reliable person who is in a position to know about your disability. The letter should state your disability and how it impacts your housing. (Download sample)
Send a Reasonable Accommodation Request letter to your landlord stating your disability, how it affects your housing and what you are requesting as a reasonable accommodation. It is helpful to include a copy of the Disability Verification letter. (Download sample)
Discuss your request. The landlord or property manager MUST have a conversation with you about what accommodations they can offer.