I received a message to contact the Save Your Home Philly hotline to be scheduled with a housing counselor. What do I do next?
- If you were assigned the Mediation Pathway, contact the Save Your Home Philly Hotline to be scheduled with a housing counselor Monday-Friday from 9am to 4pm 215-334-4663 #3.
- If you were assigned the Direct Negotiation Pathway, review our article about the Eviction Diversion Program: Direct Negotiation Pathway.
Why should I participate in the program?
The Eviction Diversion Program can be good for tenants because attending eviction court is often stressful and can end with you being evicted AND getting a judgment on your record. Many landlords also want to participate in the program to avoid paying costly attorney and filing fees, attending hearings and evicting tenants. In addition, some tenants may be eligible for Targeted Financial Assistance (TFA).
What should I do to prepare for mediation?
- Meet with your free housing counselor to review your finances, discuss your goals and prepare a proposal. Your housing counselor will attend mediation to support you in reaching an agreement.
- Collect any documentation you have such as your lease, proof of rent payments or texts, emails or letters relating to your rental property.
- Explore any additional resources offered by your housing counselor to help resolve the dispute.
What happens at mediation?
Mediation is a telephone call. Landlords and tenants receive automated notices with the date and time of mediation as well as the call in code. On the call, a trained mediator helps guide the conversation. The landlord says what the landlord wants. The tenant and housing counselor share the tenant’s goals and available resources.
If the landlord and tenant reach an agreement, the mediation coordinator writes down the agreement and provides a copy to both parties. It’s important all issues are addressed to help prevent an eviction filing in court. Both parties review the agreement and follow the agreed steps. These steps may include regular payments from the tenant and other issues the parties want to resolve such as repairs, utility bills and access to the property.
Mediation is not a courtroom and there is no judge to decide who is right or wrong. Instead, mediation is a first option to prevent eviction court filings whenever possible.
For help with legal issues, attend a TURN tenants’ rights workshop or contact the Philly Tenant Hotline 267-443-2500. For more details about good faith participation in the program and other resources, visit https://eviction-diversion.phila.gov/#/About