Eviction Prevention & Diversion
The ECHOS Eviction Prevention & Diversion program now falls under our Enrichment Center services and is only available when funding allows.
Prevention/Diversion offers households that are facing an eviction with case management support to develop a balanced budget, enroll in assistance programs, connect with community resources, obtain legal assistance, and identify other ways to gain stability.
Case advocates are knowledgeable about the eviction process and landlord mediation. Financial assistance is available to households that qualify. In the event that the eviction cannot be prevented, case advocates can work with the household to locate alternative housing and divert from homelessness.
Know your rights!
What is the eviction process?
A Notice to Quit is the first step in the eviction process in Pennsylvania. It is a formal written notice from a landlord to a tenant, informing the tenant that they must vacate the rental property by a specific date. If you have received a Notice to Quit, you still have time.
If the tenant does not vacate the property by the date listed on the Notice to Quit, the landlord can file for eviction with the Magistrate.
A court hearing will be scheduled where both parties have the opportunity to share their cases. It is very important to attend your court hearing, or it will likely rule in favor of the landlord!
If the court rules in favor of the landlord, they will issue a judgement for an order of possession, requiring the tenant to vacate the premises.
The tenant is typically given ten days to vacate the property before the sheriff can lock them out. In some cases, if the tenant can pay all past rent due and court costs within these 10 days, it can still prevent the eviction.
Tenants have the right to contact their landlord within 10 days of the lock out to retrieve their personal belongings. Households that are in need of support are encouraged to contact us for further information.
Advocate for Change!
There is a bill currently under review by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives that supports tenant rights is House Bill 1095. This legislation will limit access for eviction filings. All eviction cases will remain sealed from the date filed until a decision is made. All cases will be sealed after seven years, regardless of the outcome. Outcomes in favor of the tenant, that are withdrawn, dismissed, or settled will be sealed. Judgements made in favor of the landlord will be accessible within 30 days.
This impacts ECHOS clients! Eviction records create a barrier to securing permanent housing. Many landlords use application screening tool to automatically deny applicants with an eviction on their record — regardless of the outcome. This bill would help create equality for renters and homeowners as foreclosures are removed from a person’s record after 7 years, unlike evictions.
How Can You Be an Advocate?
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