Housing advocates call the move a win for tenants. We’ve summarized what you need to know whether you are a renter or a landlord.
The requirement for Philadelphia landlords who want to evict tenants must first go through the city’s eviction diversion program and apply for rental assistance by Aug. 31, according to an order issued late by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court late Wednesday evening. The order extended a previous mandate that was set to expire Wednesday.
The move won cheers from housing advocates, who called it a win for tenants still reeling from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think there is a commitment more than ever that we want to end poverty-based evictions in the city of Philadelphia,” Gym said. “We are showing we can do it and if the poorest large city in the country can show that we can end it, I think anybody can.”
The Philadelphia Municipal Court on April 1 began requiring landlords seeking to evict tenants for nonpayment of rent to enter Philadelphia’s Eviction Diversion Program, seek rental assistance, and to wait 45 days before filing in court.
Patrick Dugan, the municipal court’s judge, requested the Pennsylvania Supreme Court grant the extension.
“It is anticipated that the Court will be overwhelmed with filing of eviction cases based on non-payment of rent and that the continuation of the Philadelphia Municipal Court Diversion Program will enable the Court to manage the backlog of evictions…” Dugan wrote in his request.
whyy.org/articles/philly-courts-just-extended-eviction-protections-again-heres-what-that-means/