For some Philly tenants, eviction diversion comes too late. Or not at all.
Despite the mediation program’s success, it’s up to landlords to initiate it.
September 19th, 2023
After Charles Cook fell on hard times and lost his New Jersey home last year, a modest room in a North Philadelphia rowhouse was supposed to be a fresh start.
But the 71-year-old noticed some electric sockets weren’t working after moving in. Others appeared outdated, like they could shock him.
After months of back-and-forth with his landlord, the dispute reached a breaking point in July, when Cook’s landlord illegally locked him out of the property.
Cook wandered the streets and slept on a park bench.
Read more about illegal evictions and the mediation process at the Philadelphia Inquirer.