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. Getting a notice on your door or a letter from court can make your stomach drop. Take a deep breath. You have options, and there is no cost legal help in Pennsylvania for people who qualify.
Here is the easy first step: read the paper carefully, write down every date on it, and call your local legal aid office today. Their numbers are in the county list later in this guide.
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 legal help, money or a result in any case.
- This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws change. For advice about your situation, talk with a lawyer or legal aid.
- In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.
Legal aid offices give no cost civil legal help to people with low incomes, on things like evictions, benefits, family law and consumer problems. Each office decides who it can serve and which counties it covers, so call and ask.
- PALawHelp.org has no cost articles about Pennsylvania renter questions, eviction and court, plus a directory of legal aid offices.
- Legal aid groups serve different parts of the state, like Community Legal Services in Philadelphia, Neighborhood Legal Services around Pittsburgh, Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania, and MidPenn Legal Services. Each one is listed for its counties later in this guide.
- In Philadelphia, renters facing eviction can call the Philly Tenant Hotline at 267.443.2500 to ask about no cost legal help through the city's Right to Counsel program.
Sources: https://www.palawhelp.org/ and https://www.phila.gov/services/property-lots-housing/get-free-legal-help-to-avoid-eviction/
What to do when you get a notice, step by step
- Read the whole paper. Write down the date you got it and every deadline on it.
- Call your local legal aid office right away. Say you got a notice and give the dates.
- Dial 211 and ask about emergency rent help, if the notice is about rent.
- Keep paying what you can, and get a receipt every time.
- Save every letter, text, lease and receipt in one folder.
- If you get court papers, act fast. Don't wait for a court date to show up.
What to say when you call legal aid
"Hi. I got a [notice to vacate, notice to pay rent or vacate, eviction papers] on [date]."
"I live in [your county]. Can you help me, or tell me who can?"
"I rent from a [landlord or company], and my lease [is or isn't] in writing."
"What should I do before my deadline?"
Count the days on a calendar
Mark the date you got the paper on a calendar. Eviction deadlines can be very short, so ask legal aid to double check your dates with you.
What does an eviction notice mean?
Got a written notice from your landlord? Questions about how much notice a landlord has to give?
Check the official page below.
- Read your lease too, and keep a copy with the notice.
- The notice is not a court order.
- Only a court can order an eviction. After the notice runs out, the landlord has to file a Landlord Tenant Complaint, outside Philadelphia at the Magisterial District Judge, and in Philadelphia at Municipal Court.
- Keep paying your rent as usual if you can, and get a receipt every time.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.palawhelp.org/resource/landlord-tenant-overview-and-notice-requireme
Say you got a notice for late rent
Say your rent was late and you got a written notice from your landlord on a Friday. It doesn't mean you must be out by then. You could call legal aid that day, give them the date you got the notice, and ask about rent help through 211.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. It is not legal advice. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.palawhelp.org/resource/landlord-tenant-overview-and-notice-requireme
What if I get eviction papers from court?
Act right away. PALawHelp says the papers, called a Landlord Tenant Complaint, come with a notice of your hearing date, and the hearing can be very soon.
- Go to the hearing, especially if you have a defense, like an improper notice or repair problems, or a claim of your own against the landlord. PALawHelp says to go even if you don't have a defense, so the judgment isn't bigger than it should be.
- Bring your lease, receipts, photos, texts and any witnesses.
- Only a constable or sheriff's deputy, with a court order, can remove you.
- Lost your case? You may be able to appeal, but the time is short. Call legal aid right away, and check the official court page below.
- Questions about paying rent during an appeal? Ask legal aid, and check the official page below.
This is general information, not legal advice. See the county list for legal aid near you.
Sources: https://www.palawhelp.org/resource/magisterial-district-judge-court-defense and https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/secure/pacode/data/246/chapter1000/s1002.html and https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/secure/pacode/data/246/chapter1000/s1008.html
Keep these in one folder
Paperwork can feel scary, but you are not alone in this. One call to legal aid can change everything, friend.
From the Bunklow team
What if I'm locked out or my power is shut off?
Got locked out, or had your utilities shut off? You can contact the Office of Consumer Protection at 1.800.441.2555, and check the PALawHelp page below.
- Call legal aid right away too. In Philadelphia, call the Philly Tenant Hotline at 267.443.2500.
- Belongings left behind after a move out? Tell your landlord in writing right away, and ask legal aid about getting them back.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.palawhelp.org/resource/landlord-tenant-overview-and-notice-requireme
How do I get my security deposit back?
Questions about how much a deposit can be, or when you should get it back? Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
- Give your new address to the landlord in writing when you move out.
- Ask for a written list of any damages the landlord claims.
- If your deposit isn't returned, you can file a claim at the Magisterial District Judge, or in Philadelphia, Municipal Court. Legal aid can help.
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
Take move out photos
When you move out, take photos and a short video of every room, with the date. It's one of the best ways to protect your deposit. You've got this!
What if I'm treated unfairly because of who I am?
Think you were treated differently because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or family status? You can report it to HUD.
In Pennsylvania, you can also report it to the PA Human Relations Commission; ask about timing when you call. Call the PA Fair Housing Line at 855.866.5718. Legal aid can help too.
Sources: https://www.hud.gov/contactus/file-complaint and https://www.pa.gov/services/phrc/file-a-housing---commercial-property-discrimination-complaint
Can I be evicted without a court case?
Only a court can order an eviction. Check the PALawHelp page below, and call legal aid with questions.
How much notice does a landlord have to give?
Check the PALawHelp official page, and ask legal aid about your dates.
Can I appeal an eviction?
You may be able to, but the time is short. Call legal aid right away and check the official court page.
When should I get my security deposit back?
Check the official page below, and call legal aid if you're not sure.
Utilities shut off over late rent?
Call the Office of Consumer Protection at 1.800.441.2555, and call legal aid.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
HUD: Report housing discrimination
What it offers If you believe you were treated unfairly when renting or buying a home, HUD takes reports.
How to reach https://hud.gov/fairhousing/fileacomplaint
Source https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing/fileacomplaint
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Pennsylvania
Here are some places to start.
PALawHelp
What it offers No cost legal information and referrals to at no cost and low cost legal help in Pennsylvania, with guides on eviction, family, benefits and more. Set your county to see local offices. Apply for legal aid through the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network.
How to reach palawhelp.org (LiveChat on the site).
Source https://www.palawhelp.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
PA Human Relations Commission: housing discrimination
What it offers Report housing discrimination. Ask about timing when you call.
How to reach PA Fair Housing Line 855.866.5718. PHRC 717.787.4410. Email phrc@pa.gov
Source https://www.pa.gov/services/phrc/file-a-housing---commercial-property-discrimination-complaint
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Philadelphia
Here are some places to start.
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. Covers eviction, lease ending and PHA subsidy cases. 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 and eviction.
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 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).
How to reach Neighborhood Legal Services 412.255.6700. Just Mediation Pittsburgh 412.228.0730.
Last checked October 17, 2026
Neighborhood Legal Services
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people who qualify, including landlord and tenant problems. Apply by phone or online.
How to reach Request services at 1.866.761.6572, or apply online at nlsa.us.
Source https://nlsa.us/request-legal-help/
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, including eviction and other housing problems. Apply online any time and pick a callback time, or call the helpline.
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.
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, including eviction and other housing problems. Apply online any time and pick a callback time, or call the helpline.
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.
Delaware 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, including eviction and other housing problems. Apply online any time and pick a callback time, or call the helpline.
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.
Lancaster County
Here are some places to start.
MidPenn Legal Services, Lancaster office
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes, including housing and eviction problems.
How to reach Apply by calling 800.326.9177. Lancaster office: 38 North Christian St, Suite 200, 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, including eviction and other housing problems. Apply online any time and pick a callback time, or call the helpline.
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.
York County
Here are some places to start.
MidPenn Legal Services, York office
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes, including housing and eviction problems.
How to reach Apply by calling 800.326.9177. York office: 29 North Queen St, 717.848.3605.
Source https://www.midpenn.org/who-we-are/locations.html
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Berks County
Here are some places to start.
MidPenn Legal Services, Reading office
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes, including housing and eviction problems.
How to reach Apply by calling 800.326.9177. Reading office: 35 North Sixth St, Mezzanine Suite 101, 610.376.8656.
Source https://www.midpenn.org/who-we-are/locations.html
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Lehigh County (Allentown)
Here are some places to start.
North Penn Legal Services
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people who qualify in Lehigh County and other counties in northeastern Pennsylvania.
How to reach Apply by phone at 877.953.4250, Monday to Thursday, 9 to 11:30 am and 1:30 to 4 pm (no Friday intake), or apply online any time.
Source https://www.nplspa.org/who-we-are/contact.html
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Neighborhood and other counties
Here are some places to start.
PALawHelp legal directory
What it offers Find no cost legal offices near you, from Montgomery and Bucks to Lancaster and Erie.
How to reach palawhelp.org
Source https://www.palawhelp.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
My legal plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
My dates
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
Please let me know if you have any questions
If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. You're doing the right thing by getting informed. 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.
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