Are you worried you might be evicted?
You’re in the right place.
Most families are only one emergency away from falling behind on bills or rent. Finding yourself here does not mean that you have failed. Asking for help and understanding your options is an important step forward. You can get through this.
Start below by finding the situation that most closely matches where you are today. We begin with the most urgent stage of the eviction process and work backward. If an eviction has not been filed against you, start at the bottom and work your way up.
-> A constable is coming / I have an Order for Possession
I've already had an eviction hearing and lost my case. The landlord requested an Order for Possession.
If your eviction judgment says “Grant Possession if Money Judgment is not satisfied,” it is important to act quickly to pay the money judgment against you. Your landlord can request an Order for Possession 10 days after your court hearing. Ten days after the Order for Possession is served, a constable can remove you from your home.
Paying the amount required by the judgment before the deadline can allow you to stay in your home.
Explore Rental Assistance
If you have not already, find out whether you qualify for rental assistance.
If your court did not have the Lawyer of the Day program, call the AHSC Rental Assistance Hotline at 412-248-0021. You will need to leave a voicemail, and it may take a few business days to receive a call back.
If you connected with a resource navigator through Lawyer of the Day, respond as quickly as possible to their calls, texts, or requests for documents. With the eviction process moving quickly, delays can limit the options available to you.
Consider filing an appeal
You can also contact the Housing Court Help Desk to explore whether filing an appeal is an option for you. An appeal gives you the opportunity to have your case heard in the Court of Common Pleas and can give you additional time to resolve the debt.
An appeal does not mean you can stop paying rent. To remain in your home while your appeal is pending, you will be required to pay money into an escrow account with the court. Learn more about filing an appeal here.
-> My landlord has locked me out
We haven't gone to court, but my landlord changed my locks or turned off my utilities.
Your landlord cannot legally force you out of your home without going through the court process.
Visit the Housing Court Help Desk to request a Motion for Re-entry:
Where:
414 Grant St, Fl. 1, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219
When:
Their hours are 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. Arrive by 3:30 pm Monday - Thursday or by noon on Fridays to give yourself time to complete the paperwork before they close.
Call the Housing Court Help Desk at (412)-350-4462 (they are terrific and very kind and helpful)
Also, call Neighborhood Legal Services to discuss the situation with an attorney. (412) 255-6700
-> An eviction has been filed against me
I have a court date or have received an official notice of an eviction filing from the court.
If you feel comfortable communicating with your landlord, reach out early. Let them know what is happening and see whether you can make a plan together.
Landlord-Tenant Mediation is a great space to have that conversation and can open up opportunities to access additional assistance.
Explore other resources that might help reduce some of your monthly expenses and free up money for rent.
-> I'm behind on my rent or will be soon
I am struggling to keep up with my rent or will be soon.
Read our step-by-step guide to the eviction process and "I'm being evicted. Now what?"
If your court is served by the Lawyer of the Day program, look out for calls and texts from RentHelpPGH before your hearing. If we cannot connect before, we will also be at the court on the day of your hearing to connect you with legal aid and other resources.