The Right to Counsel (RTC) initiative for low-income tenants in Philadelphia has expanded to three additional zip codes: 19124, 19141 and 19154. Low-income tenants in these zip codes who are facing eviction in Philadelphia now have the right to free legal representation through the Philadelphia Eviction Prevention Project (PEPP). SeniorLAW Center is proud to offer these free legal services to older Philadelphians aged 60 and above through our Tenant Rights program.
In 2019, after years of advocacy and public testimony with our clients and partners, Philadelphia City Council unanimously voted to become the 5th jurisdiction to pass a tenant’s Right to Counsel.
Right to Counsel implementation launched with two zip codes in 2022. Now with a total of eight zip codes covered in the city, RTC covers more than 35% of all tenants facing eviction, providing equitable access to legal representation and promoting housing stability. It is part of a broader eviction prevention strategy that includes citywide legal representation, in-court support programs, Lawyer of the Day, and the Eviction Diversion Program. Together, these services have lowered eviction filings by almost 40%.
SeniorLAW Center is proud to be one of 3 legal services providers in PEPP and to provide legal representation, support, and outreach as a part of this critical collaboration. We are proud to work with our partners Community Legal Services, Legal Clinic for the Disabled, Philly VIP, the Tenant Union Representative Network, Philly Counts (a part of the Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity), and Clarifi. Right to Counsel services are funded through the City’s Philadelphia Eviction Prevention Project budget and managed by the Division of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
To learn more about and to access Right to Counsel and Philadelphia Eviction Prevention Project services, go to phillytenant.org or call the Philly Tenant Hotline at (267) 443-2500.