Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. Whether you're trying to keep the home you have, find a new one, or get back into housing, I'm really glad you're here. Housing worries can keep you up at night. Let's take it one step at a time.
Here is the easy first step: if you might lose your home soon, or you already have, dial 211 and tell them what's going on. Then use this guide to see your options as a renter in Pennsylvania.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise money, a unit or a spot in any program.
- This guide shares general information, not legal advice. For your own situation, talk with a legal aid office.
- Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
Housing help usually falls into three buckets. Knowing which one you need makes every phone call faster.
- Keeping your home. Help with late rent or utilities, talking with your landlord, and renter questions.
- Finding a home you can afford. Affordable apartments, Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) and public housing.
- Getting back into housing. If you've lost your home, Coordinated Entry and Rapid Rehousing help people move back inside.
How to start, step by step
- Pick your bucket: keeping, finding, or getting back into a home.
- Dial 211. Say your county and what you need, like "I'm behind on rent."
- Ask for rent help programs, housing counseling and legal aid near you.
- Write down every name, number and date. Keep copies of your lease and notices.
- If you got any court papers, call legal aid right away. Don't wait.
- Follow up when they tell you to. Programs move faster when you call back.
What to say when you call 211
"Hi. I live in [county]. I'm behind on rent by [amount] and I'm worried about losing my home."
"Are there rent help programs open right now?"
"Can you connect me with no cost legal help for renters?"
"What papers should I have ready?"
I'm behind on rent. What should I do?
First, take a breath. Being behind is scary, but acting early gives you the most choices.
- Talk with your landlord early and honestly. Ask if you can set up a payment plan. Get any deal in writing.
- Call 211 about rent help. Programs open and close, so ask what's available in your county right now.
- Call a HUD approved housing counselor at 800.569.4287. HUD says these counselors can help with renting, avoiding eviction and budgeting, at no cost or low cost.
- Read every notice carefully and keep it. Take a photo of it too.
Say you got an eviction notice
Say you got a written notice from your landlord. It is not a court order, and it doesn't mean you have to be out that day. Questions about how much notice a landlord has to give? Check the official page below.
Only a court can order an eviction. The case is heard at the Magisterial District Judge, or in Philadelphia at Municipal Court. A notice is time to act fast: pay if you can, work something out, or call legal aid.
This is an example to show how it can work, not legal advice. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Sources: https://www.palawhelp.org/resource/landlord-tenant-overview-and-notice-requireme and https://www.phila.gov/media/20240709142405/Navigating-the-Eviction-Process-presentation-20240627.pdf
Get it in writing
Any payment plan or promise from your landlord, ask for it in a text, email or letter. It protects you and them!
How do security deposits work in Pennsylvania?
Questions about how much a landlord can ask for a deposit, or when you should get it back? Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
- Give your landlord your new address in writing when you move out.
- Ask for a written list of any damages the landlord claims.
- Not sure about money kept from your deposit? Legal aid or PALawHelp can help you look at your options.
Sources: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/HTM/1951/0/0020.005.000.011.001..HTM and https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/HTM/1951/0/0020.005.000.012.000..HTM
Protect your deposit when you move out
How do I find a place I can afford?
- Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8). Vouchers help pay rent to a private landlord. They're run by local public housing agencies, and many have waiting lists. HUD keeps a contact list of local public housing agencies. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts
- Public housing. Also run by local public housing agencies. Ask about it when you call.
- Affordable apartments. PAHousingSearch.com is a no cost search for rentals across Pennsylvania, including affordable and accessible units. You can filter by rent and location. Help line: 877.428.8844. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.pahousingsearch.com/
- Get on more than one list. Waiting lists are long. Signing up for several gives you more chances.
Say you're on a voucher waiting list in Pittsburgh
Say you applied for a voucher months ago. You could call the housing agency to make sure your address and phone are current, so you don't miss a letter.
While you wait, you could call the Allegheny Housing Stabilization Collaborative at 412.248.0021 about rent help, or call a HUD counselor at 800.569.4287.
This is an example to show how it can go. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different.
I already lost my home. How do I get back in?
- Coordinated Entry. In most Pennsylvania counties, you talk with a trained worker once, and they work to match you with the housing programs that fit. Your county's number is in the list later in this guide.
- Rapid Rehousing. HUD describes it as permanent housing with short term rental help (up to 3 months) or medium term help (4 to 24 months), plus support services. HUD does not require a disability to qualify, but each program has its own rules. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.hudexchange.info/homelessness-assistance/coc-esg-virtual-binders/coc-program-components/permanent-housing/rapid-re-housing/
- Need a bed tonight? See Guide 2, Emergency Shelter Tonight.
Getting back into a home is a process, not a single phone call. Keep going. Every call gets you a little closer.
From the Bunklow team
What if I'm treated unfairly?
HUD says that if you think you were treated unfairly in housing because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or family status, you can file a complaint. File online at https://www.hud.gov/contactus/file-complaint
In Pennsylvania, you can also report it to the PA Human Relations Commission. Ask them about timing when you call. Call the PA Fair Housing Line at 855.866.5718. For renter questions, PALawHelp has guides at https://www.palawhelp.org/ Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.pa.gov/services/phrc/file-a-housing---commercial-property-discrimination-complaint
Keep a housing folder
Questions people ask a lot
Got locked out or had your utilities shut off?
Call legal aid right away, and you can contact the Office of Consumer Protection at 1.800.441.2555. Their numbers are in the county list. PALawHelp has more on its official page.
How long is the wait for Section 8?
It depends on the housing agency, and many have long waits. Ask them directly and keep your contact info updated.
Is rent help available right now?
Programs open and close. Dial 211 and ask what's open in your county today.
Do I need a lawyer to go to court?
You don't have to have one, but no cost legal aid can help a lot if you qualify. Call as soon as you get court papers.
When should I get my deposit back?
Questions about deposit timing? Check the official page from PALawHelp, and call legal aid if you're not sure.
What does a housing counselor do?
HUD says they help with renting, avoiding eviction or foreclosure, and budgeting. Call 800.569.4287.
I'm happy to help however I can
Housing stuff can be confusing. You don't have to figure it all out today. Make one call, write it down, and take the next step tomorrow. You've got this!
Here are housing helpers near you, including Coordinated Entry, legal aid and rent help lines. If your county isn't listed, dial 211.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
HUD: help for people experiencing homelessness
What it offers HUD funds local groups but does not give direct help itself. Its page says to dial 211 and press 6 for homeless services. It also has a map of affordable housing (call each property to check for openings) and says to contact your local Public Housing Agency for a Housing Choice Voucher.
How to reach Dial 211, then press 6. Housing map at resources.hud.gov
Source https://www.hud.gov/helping-americans
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Pennsylvania
Here are some places to start.
PA 211
What it offers No cost help finding local services across Pennsylvania: shelter, food, bills, health and more. Open 24/7, every day of the year.
How to reach Dial 211. Text your ZIP code to 898211. Search online at search.pa211.org
Source https://www.pa211.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
County Assistance Offices
What it offers Local DHS offices where you can apply in person, drop off papers and get help. Philadelphia headquarters 215.560.7226. Allegheny headquarters 412.565.2146.
How to reach Find your county's office at https://pa.gov/agencies/dhs/contact/cao-information
Source https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/contact/cao-information
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Philadelphia
Here are some places to start.
Philadelphia Homelessness Prevention
What it offers The City's Prevention, Diversion and Intake unit may help with rent, move in costs and utilities, depending on funding, plus mediation and problem solving. Have birth certificates, Social Security cards and proof of income from the last 30 days ready. Copies are fine.
How to reach Homelessness Prevention InfoLine 215.686.7177 (recorded message). Or visit a City intake center (see Guide 2).
Last checked October 17, 2026
Philly Tenant Hotline and Right to Counsel
What it offers No cost legal help for eligible low income renters facing eviction in certain ZIP codes: 19121, 19124, 19131, 19132, 19134, 19139, 19141, 19144, 19153 and 19154. Immigration status doesn't affect eligibility. Interpretation is available.
How to reach Call 267.443.2500. No phone? Community Legal Services, 1424 Chestnut St, walk in Monday to Thursday, 9 am to noon.
Source https://www.phila.gov/services/property-lots-housing/get-free-legal-help-to-avoid-eviction/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Philadelphia Eviction Diversion Program
What it offers Helps landlords and tenants try to reach an agreement without going to court.
How to reach https://eviction-diversion.phila.gov/
Source https://www.phila.gov/services/property-lots-housing/get-free-legal-help-to-avoid-eviction/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Community Legal Services
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes in Philadelphia, including housing problems.
How to reach Center City office, 1424 Chestnut St, 215.981.3700. North Philadelphia office, 1410 W. Erie Ave, 215.227.2400.
Source https://clsphila.org/contact/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Allegheny County (Pittsburgh)
Here are some places to start.
Allegheny Link
What it offers The county's front door for housing and homeless help. Families with children who have nowhere safe to sleep tonight should call here. Single adults can get help reaching the shelter system.
How to reach Call 1.866.730.2368. Live staff Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
Source https://connect.alleghenycounty.us/get-help-now/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Allegheny eviction help lines
What it offers Neighborhood Legal Services for legal help if you meet income guidelines. Just Mediation Pittsburgh for mediation with your landlord (no rent money). Allegheny Housing Stabilization Collaborative for rental help and eviction prevention; leave a voicemail and staff return calls in about 10 to 14 business days.
How to reach Neighborhood Legal Services 412.255.6700. Just Mediation Pittsburgh 412.228.0730. AHSC 412.248.0021.
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Montgomery County
Here are some places to start.
Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania
What it offers No cost civil legal aid for people with low incomes in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties. Apply online any time and pick a callback time, or call the helpline to speak with a paralegal or attorney. Spanish and interpretation in 240+ languages.
How to reach Helpline 877.429.5994, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 1 pm.
Source https://www.lasp.org/apply
Last checked October 17, 2026
Your Way Home Helpline
What it offers Montgomery County's housing crisis system, including help for people about to lose their housing.
How to reach Call 610.278.3522.
Source https://www.yourwayhome.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Bucks County
Here are some places to start.
Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania
What it offers No cost civil legal aid for people with low incomes in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties.
How to reach Helpline 877.429.5994, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 1 pm.
Source https://www.lasp.org/apply
Last checked October 17, 2026
Bucks County Housing Link Helpline
What it offers If you are being evicted or have to leave a shared home, staff can refer you to Housing Planning or a prevention program.
How to reach Call 1.800.810.4434.
Source https://www.buckshousinglink.org/need-help/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Delaware County
Here are some places to start.
Community Action Agency of Delaware County
What it offers Qualified Delaware County residents may get financial help to avoid eviction or move into a new home. Come in for an assessment, no appointment needed.
How to reach 1414 Meetinghouse Road, Boothwyn, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 3 pm. Call 610.874.8451.
Source https://caadc.org/services/housing/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Lancaster County
Here are some places to start.
MidPenn Legal Services
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes in central Pennsylvania, including Lancaster County.
How to reach Apply by calling 800.326.9177. Lancaster office, 38 North Christian St., 717.299.0971.
Source https://www.midpenn.org/who-we-are/locations.html
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Chester County
Here are some places to start.
Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania
What it offers No cost civil legal aid for people with low incomes in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties.
How to reach Helpline 877.429.5994, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 1 pm.
Source https://www.lasp.org/apply
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Neighborhood and other counties
Here are some places to start.
PA 211
What it offers For rent and utility help anywhere else in Pennsylvania, dial 211 and ask what's open in your county.
How to reach Dial 211 or search.pa211.org
Source https://www.pa211.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
My housing plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
Where I stand
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
Please let me know if you have any questions
If something here is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Make it a great day, friend!
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 17, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Affordable living. Simplified
