Landlords must successfully submit an application for EDP and participate in good faith for a least 30 days before attempting to evict through court. You can check the status at any time here https://eviction-diversion.phila.gov/#/Status
The landlord’s Applicant ID starts with the letters “EVP” and then 9 numbers or letters. The EVP number is provided in all communication with the program including texts and emails. Ask the landlord to confirm the applicant ID.
If you are scheduled for an eviction court hearing, check the status online. Compare with the information below. If landlord participation is incomplete, you may show this status at court as a possible legal defense. Show the landlord and ask the landlord to explain. Show the trial commissioner or speak with the judge.
Some common status outcomes and next steps
Participation in Eviction Diversion Program is NOT Complete:
Your landlord may NOT proceed to eviction court if the status of your application is any of the following.
- Application currently under review. The landlord submitted an application and the application is pending review. Contact your landlord to negotiate an agreement. Landlords must negotiate in good faith for at least 30 days following the approval of an application.
- Request has been denied. The landlord’s application was denied and the landlord may correct the existing application or be instructed to submit another application. Confirm if the landlord submitted another application with a new Applicant ID number. Present this outcome at court and request the landlord participate in EDP in good faith.
- Assigned for direct negotiation. You have 30 days to communicate directly with your landlord to prevent eviction. Some additional information is included in the status including if rent or fees requested, the amount of rent or fees, the end of the lease term and other possible issues the landlord wishes to address. More resources visit https://phillytenant.org/eviction-diversion-direct-negotiation-pathway/
- Your request has been approved. You have been selected for additional help to work with a housing counselor and be assigned a mediation date. Contact the Save Your Home Philly hotline right away at 215-334-4663 and choose option #3. Resources for counseling are limited.
- Participation in Eviction Diversion Program is NOT complete. The landlord must take further steps to complete the Eviction Diversion Program. You may show this outcome to the court and ask the landlord be sent back to the Program to complete participation. Continue to seek an agreement with the landlord and reach out for legal help.
Participation in Eviction Diversion Program is Complete:
- Agreement reached by parties. You reached an agreement. If you are able to maintain this agreement, the landlord should not seek to evict you through the legal process. Bring a copy of your agreement and proof of payments to court. You may ask the court to dismiss or remove the landlord’s complaint because you have an active ongoing agreement. Ask for legal help at court from the Lawyer of the Day.
- Participation in the Eviction Diversion Program is complete. The landlord has successfully applied for the Program and 30 days have passed. If you have not reached an agreement, the landlord may proceed through the legal process of eviction. For further help visit https://phillytenant.org/eviction-notices/