free lawyer for tenant who cant get her belongings back from her landlord phila pa

by Edgar Gutkowski 6 min read

Right to Counsel provides free access to a lawyer. There is no cost for exercising this right. How 1 Call the Philly Tenant Hotline at (267) 443-2500. The hotline is staffed by Tenant Union Representative Network.

Call the Philly Tenant Hotline at 267-443-2500 for free legal advice and possible representation.

Full Answer

Where can I get a free lawyer to evict a tenant?

New York City also passed a law which provides free lawyers to tenants in the city who are facing eviction. The one catch is that to qualify for the free lawyer, the tenant must certain income qualifications. Getting a consultation with a landlord tenant lawyer is pretty simple. You need to call their place of business and request a consultation.

What kind of lawyer do I need to file a landlord-tenant case?

You want to focus on a lawyer who understands the landlord tenant rules in your state, and even more specifically, in the town where the rental property is located. Responsive: You want a good lawyer, but you also want one you can get in contact with. You don’t want to have to wait a week just to get a call back from a paralegal.

Where can I find a lawyer for a tenant conflict?

Bar Associations: Your state or county’s bar association may provide referrals for lawyers. For example, the New York City Bar provides legal services for a number of issues, including landlord tenant conflicts.

Can I get my property back from my Landlord or someone else?

Is There Any Way I Can Get Back My Personal Property If It Is Being Held By My Landlord Or Someone Else? Yes. If someone has taken your personal property without your permission, you can get a court order that allows you to get the property back. Do I Have to Have A Lawyer To Get A Court Order? No.

How long can someone leave their belongings on your property in PA?

Pennsylvania Law, 68 P. S250. 505a, gives tenants 10 days from the postmark date the landlord sends written notice that the items were left behind. You can request that the property be stored for an additional period not exceeding 30 days from the date of the notice.

How do I file a complaint against a landlord in Philadelphia?

If you need help filling out the form, contact the Fair Housing Commission at (215) 686-4670 or fairhousingcomm@phila.gov. Submit your intake form by mail, fax, or email. Alternatively, you can fax your form to (215) 686-4684 or email it to fairhousingcomm@phila.gov. Sign a formal complaint.

What can I sue my landlord for in Pennsylvania?

A tenant may sue a landlord for various claims....What can sue my landlord for?Lost or Damaged Items. ... Rent Abatement. ... High Utility Bills. ... Emergency Repairs. ... Emergency Accommodations. ... Lead Safe or Lead Free Certification. ... Security deposit.

What does free legal aid and services include?

Provision of free legal aid may include: Payment of court fee, process fees and all other charges payable or incurred in connection with any legal proceedings; Providing Advocate in a legal proceedings; Obtaining and supply of certified copies of orders and other documents in legal proceedings.

Can I sue my landlord for emotional distress?

Can I sue my landlord for pain and suffering? As part of a personal injury claim, you could be compensated for any pain or suffering you were caused to experience as a result of your landlord's failings. This includes physical and psychiatric harm, as well as financial losses.

What are renters rights in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania tenants are legally entitled to a rental that meets basic structural, health, and safety standards. It must also be in good repair pursuant to the landlord's implied warranty of habitability, an implied right in every written or oral residential lease.

Can you sue a landlord for emotional distress in PA?

A further court definition for NIED was established in 2011, allowing Pennsylvanians to sue for breaches of duty from one person to another when there is a pre-existing “special relationship.” The law explicitly states that the emotional harm experienced has to be severe, to a degree where it would be unreasonable to ...

How much can I sue my landlord for in Pennsylvania?

$12,000The maximum amount for which you can sue in Pennsylvania Justice Court is $12,000. (In Philadelphia's Municipal Court, the dollar amount for landlord and tenant cases is unlimited.)

How do you prove landlord negligence?

One way to prove landlord negligence is by proving that:A law related to safety was broken by the landlord.The purpose of the said law was for the welfare and safety of the tenant.The injuries sustained were the kind the law intended to prevent.More items...

Who provide the free legal services?

The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has been constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 to provide free Legal Services to the weaker sections of the society and to organize Lok Adalats for amicable settlement of disputes.

For which kind of cases legal aid is not available?

Cases for which legal aid is not available: Cases in respect of defamation, malicious prosecution, contempt of court, perjury etc.

Who is not eligible for legal aid?

Who can get legal aid? You qualify for legal aid if: You are on a low income or receive income-related benefits, such as income support, income-related ESA or JSA. If your monthly income, excluding PIP or DLA is above ÂŁ2657 you will not be eligible for legal aid.

Your Landlord Is Evicting You

If your landlord serves you with a termination notice that you intend to fight, hiring a lawyer can increase your chance of success. Choose a lawye...

Your Landlord Is Evicting You Without Proper Court Procedures

Landlords must follow eviction procedures set forth by state and local law. If your landlord tries to evict you by taking matters into his own hand...

Your Landlord Discriminates Against You

If you believe your landlord is discriminating against you, you may need a lawyer to stop the illegal actions and help you recover damages for any...

Your Landlord Won't Make Necessary Repairs

If your landlord isn't fulfilling important obligations under your lease and the law, it can lead to major problems. For example, think of the land...

Your Landlord Isn't Fulfilling His Promises

Sometimes, landlords make promises to encourage hesitant applicants to rent from them. For example, if an applicant is concerned about the neighbor...

You've been Injured Or Made Ill

Accidents can happen, even at a well-run rental property. However, if an accident is the result of the landlord's carelessness, you may have a lega...

Your Property Has been Damaged

Sometimes, a landlord's failure to maintain the rental property causes damage to your personal property. For example, a landlord's faulty wiring re...

How to Get A Lawyer's Help

If you are in need of a lawyer, choose one with expertise in landlord-tenant matters. For help in getting a lawyer, read the article "How to Find a...

Why won't my landlord return my money?

Let’s say your dishwasher breaks, or your landlord asks you to repaint a room because it’s dingy. If you paid for the dishwasher to be fixed with your own funds, your landlord need to reimburse you.

How long does it take for a landlord to return a damage deposit?

Most states require a landlord to return a damage deposit within 30 days after you vacate the property.

What happens if you are evicted from your home?

Cause disturbances to force you out of your home like loud noises. Take, keep, remove, or destroy your personal property. Being evicted or sued by a landlord can be frustrating, and can have serious consequences against your mental well-being and credit score.

What does a lawyer do for a home?

A lawyer can help educate you on what your home must be legally outfitted with in order to be considered “livable” in your state or county. 3. Your Landlord is Withholding Damage Deposits and/or Funds from You. Your landlord can have numerous reasons for not returning your money.

What is the Fair Housing Act?

The Fair Housing Act allows tenants to be safe against discrimination regardless of race, sex, religion, nationality, disability, or familial status. Although tenancy laws vary from state to state, all tenants have the right to safe and livable spaces with working necessities like heat, water, and electricity.

Can a landlord evict you if you have a baby?

For instance, if you have a baby, your landlord cannot evict you if they’re worried about noise complaints. The same can be said for other new roommates or significant others, as long as they understand how many occupants reside in the home. They may require you pay more in heat, electricity, or water.

Can a landlord forcefully evict you?

Your Landlord Forcefully Tries to Evict You Without Proper Notice. In order for your landlord to legally evict you, they need a court-order eviction notice. The first notice will be a notice to vacate the premises. This should have your landlord’s reason for eviction, and when you need to leave by.

What is free legal advice?

Non-profit organizations, like the Housing Rights Center, offer free legal advice (in this case, for the state of California) to help settle simple landlord and tenant disagreements. Free telephone and in-person consultations help both landlord and tenants know their rights and the best steps to take based on their particular state’s law.

Is it smart to consult a variety of sources?

It’s smart to consult a variety of sources to ensure that you are making the smartest and most beneficial decisions for yourself and your business. Don’t shy away from free consultations! There are many non-profit organizations created to protect both tenant and landlord rights.

Is it good to know your rights as a landlord?

Even if you are seeking legal advice on one particular issue, it’s always good practice to become an expert in your field. Knowing your own rights (and those of your tenant) can help you become a better landlord, benefit financially, and even grow your portfolio.

How Federal Law Protects Tenants

If you have a landlord-tenant issue, most of the laws governing your legal issue will likely be state laws. This is because property rights are usually governed by state law. However, there are some important federal laws that protect renters, including the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Tenant Rights Lawyers

If you have a legal issue involving a landlord, you should seek the legal advice of a tenant lawyer. A tenant lawyer will have experience with all the laws mentioned in this article as they apply in your state and city.

What happens if your landlord doesn't fulfill your lease?

If your landlord isn't fulfilling important obligations under your lease and the law, it can lead to major problems. For example, think of the landlord who keeps putting off needed heating system repairs until winter is well under way, or the landlord who ignores a ground-floor tenant's requests to fix a broken window until a burglary occurs.

What is tenant rights?

The more you know the law and your legal rights, the better. The Tenant Rights section of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website provides a wide variety of state and local resources, including links to fair housing groups, rent control boards, tenant unions, and legal aid organizations for each state ;

What to do if landlord refuses to honor promise?

If the landlord later refuses to honor the promise, you might need to hire a lawyer to write a stern letter to your landlord, with a reminder that landlords can be held liable for some criminal activities at their rentals, and threatening a lawsuit unless the landlord follows through.

What to do if landlord discriminates against you?

If you believe your landlord is discriminating against you, you may need a lawyer to stop the illegal actions and help you recover damages for any harm you suffered. One option is to hire a lawyer to sue the landlord in court.

What to do if landlord serves termination notice?

If your landlord serves you with a termination notice that you intend to fight, hiring a lawyer can increase your chance of success. Choose a local lawyer that is knowledgeable about landlord-tenant law and has significant experience fighting evictions.

What happens if a landlord doesn't maintain the property?

Sometimes, a landlord's failure to maintain the rental property causes damage to your personal property. For example, a landlord's faulty wiring repair job could spark an electrical fire in your living room, damaging your furniture and other belongings.

Why do landlords have attorneys fees?

Many landlords include an "attorneys' fees" clause in their lease or rental agreement to prevent frivolous lawsuits. If your lease or rental agreement includes this clause, you might be entitled to get reimbursed for your reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs if you win a lawsuit against your landlord.