What to do if you are being sued in a Landlord-Tenant case
NOTICE
Currently, we are accepting new cases in person. Appointments are preferred.
If you got papers from the court it means someone might be trying to sue you. If you have questions about this, please call Court Administration at 215-686-2910. Learn more about how to respond below.
Read the Landlord-Tenant Complaint. The Landlord-Tenant Complaint document (example below) tells you about the case and what the other side is suing you for. It will also say what the other side wants (money and/or eviction). Because you are being sued you are the defendant. The other side is called the plaintiff.
Write down the time, date, and place of your hearing. This information will be on the bottom of the third page of the complaint form. Your hearing will be in a room on the sixth (6th) floor, 1339 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. You must be on time for your hearing. If you are late, you may lose. If you don’t show up, you will automatically lose
If you need more time before your hearing you can ask to have the hearing date rescheduled. This is called a continuance. You have to ask the court for a continuance in writing and must tell the other side. Learn more about how to ask for your hearing date to be rescheduled.
Prepare for your hearing. Collect and bring all documents to support your case, such as rent books, receipts, canceled checks, bills, your lease, letters, emails or text messages, repair requests, notices, photos, and witnesses. Make sure you have copies for the court and the other side.
For more information on the eviction process and your rights as a tenant please visit www.phillytenant.org.
If you agree that you owe the other side the money they are asking for, contact them (or their lawyer) before the hearing date. You can work with them to figure out how to pay.
If you disagree that you owe the other side money, you have a few options:
You have the right to get a lawyer
You do not need a lawyer to come to Municipal Court. Even though you do not need a lawyer, you can get one if you want. If you are a tenant, you may be able to get a lawyer for free. If you have a lawyer, they should be with you when you come to court. If you need to reschedule your hearing so you can find a lawyer you must ask the court to move the date in writing. Learn more about how to ask the court to move your hearing date.
You might qualify for a free lawyer through the Philadelphia Eviction Prevention Program. To learn more, call the Philly Tenant Hotline 267-443-2500. The Hotline can provide information and help connect eligible tenants with free legal representation through Community Legal Services, SeniorLAW Center, Legal Clinic for the Disabled, and other organizations. Call as soon as possible so that you are able to meet with your lawyer and prepare your case before the hearing. If you are not eligible for free legal services, you can contact the Philadelphia Bar Association Lawyer Referral and Information Service at 215-238-6333 to get help hiring a lawyer.
For more information and resources, please visit www.phillytenant.org. You can also attend a daily tenants rights class offered by the Tenant Union Representative Network. You can register online or by calling the Philly Tenant Hotline at 267-443-2500.
Contact your property manager at least 1 week before your hearing. Find out if your case can be resolved outside of court. If you recently experienced a change in income, ask if you qualify for a rent reduction before coming to court.
If you have any questions, call Court Administration at 215-686-2910.
Get free legal advice or a lawyer
If you are a tenant with a low income you can get free legal advice or a lawyer from these organizations.
Pay a Lawyer for Help
Call 215-686-7000 for general court information.