Eviction Prevention & Diversion
The ECHOS Eviction Prevention & Diversion program now falls under our Enrichment Center services and is only available when funding allows.
Funding is currently unavailable for ECHOS Eviction Prevention and Diversion Programs.
Schedule an appointment with a case manager today to discuss your options:
KNOW YOUR
RIGHTS
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.
What is the eviction process?
Advocate for Change!
There is a bill that has just been passed by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives that supports tenant rights. House Bill 1095 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 Outcomes in favor of the tenant, that are withdrawn, dismissed, or settled will be sealed.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?
Stay Connected
Join the mailing list for our client newsletter today!
Read about the services, upcoming events, and share your story with others.
This newsletter is released monthly for you, our clients, to get important updates and information from ECHOS at your fingertips.