The city has launched an Eviction Diversion Program to help tenants and landlords with payment arrangements during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program enables landlords and tenants to arrive at an agreement that works for both parties, without having to go to court. The program is a required process for all landlords with tenants who have had difficulty paying rent due to a COVID-19 related hardship.

This summer, the City introduced two phases of rental assistance, but doesn’t have enough funding to meet the overwhelming need. 

“The Eviction Diversion Program gives the opportunity for landlords and tenants whose income was affected by COVID-19 to work together,” said Anne Fadullon, Director of Planning and Development. “This is extremely important as we head into the fall and winter seasons.”

The Eviction Diversion Program implements the Emergency Housing Protection Act (EPHA) passed by City Council and signed by Mayor Jim Kenney. The act requires landlords to notify tenants of their rights and to request a mediation conference through the Eviction Diversion Program prior to filing an eviction. The program will be implemented in cooperation with Philadelphia Legal Assistance, Community Legal Services, Good Shepherd Mediation Program and city-funded housing counseling agencies.

To schedule a mediation, landlords must first submit a request online. Once it is confirmed that the request is complete, the landlord and tenant will be scheduled for a mediation conference within 30 days.

Qualified tenants and landlords can still apply for rental assistance until September 30th.