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Eviction-Friendly Apartments in Philadelphia, PA

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Renting After an Eviction in Philadelphia

Philadelphia offers relatively affordable rents for a major Northeast city, with a massive stock of rowhomes and multi-family buildings. The city has strengthened tenant protections significantly, including eviction diversion programs, right to counsel, and source-of-income protections. These tools, combined with Philly's many private landlords, create meaningful second-chance opportunities.

Pennsylvania Eviction Record Laws

Eviction Record Sealing
Not available. Pennsylvania does not have a statewide eviction record sealing law, but Philadelphia's eviction diversion program helps achieve dismissals.
Screening Lookback Period
Most landlords check 7 years. Philadelphia's diversion program helps achieve favorable outcomes.
Tenant Screening Restrictions
Philadelphia has source-of-income protections and a Renters' Access Act that limits how landlords can use eviction records, criminal records, and credit history.

Housing Options in Philadelphia After an Eviction

Likelihood indicates how likely each option is to accept applicants with eviction records.

TypeDescriptionLikelihood
Private rowhome landlordsPhiladelphia's signature rowhomes are widely rented by individual owners with flexible screening.high
LIHTC / tax credit apartmentsPhiladelphia has extensive affordable housing.moderate
Second-chance housing programsProject HOME, Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia, and others serve tenants with barriers.moderate
Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA)Manages the nation's 4th-largest public housing system.low
Supportive housingProject HOME, Pathways to Housing PA, and People's Emergency Center provide supportive housing.moderate
Room rentals and shared housingRoom rentals common near universities with minimal screening.high

Strategies for Renting with an Eviction in Philadelphia

  1. 1.

    Know Philadelphia's Renters' Access Act

    This law limits landlord screening criteria including eviction records, criminal history, and credit scores.

  2. 2.

    Focus on North and West Philadelphia rowhomes

    North Philly, West Philly, Kensington, and Germantown have many affordable private rowhome rentals.

  3. 3.

    Use source-of-income protections

    Philly law prohibits refusing Housing Choice Vouchers.

  4. 4.

    Leverage the eviction diversion program

    If facing eviction, Philadelphia's diversion program can help achieve mediation and dismissal.

  5. 5.

    Work with Project HOME

    Project HOME provides housing navigation and permanent supportive housing.

  6. 6.

    Prepare strong documentation

    Even with legal protections, strong applications help in Philly's competitive market.

Local Housing Resources in Philadelphia

Organizations that can help you find housing after an eviction.

Philadelphia Housing Authority

Housing Authority

Manages public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers.

(215) 684-4000website

Community Legal Services of Philadelphia

Legal Aid

Provides free legal services including eviction defense.

(215) 981-3700website

Project HOME

Housing Navigation

Provides housing, employment, healthcare, and education services.

(215) 232-7272website

211 Philadelphia

Helpline

Dial 211 for housing referrals.

211

Tips for Renting with an Eviction in Philadelphia

  • 1.Know Philadelphia's Renters' Access Act — it limits how landlords can screen you.
  • 2.Philly's rowhomes are your best bet — drive neighborhoods looking for 'For Rent' signs.
  • 3.North Philly, West Philly, and Kensington have the most affordable options.
  • 4.Philadelphia has right to counsel for evictions — use this if facing eviction.
  • 5.Philly law prohibits refusing your Housing Choice Voucher.
  • 6.PA limits first-year security deposits to 2 months' rent.
  • 7.Project HOME can connect you with housing and supportive services.
  • 8.Apply during winter when rental competition drops.

Average Rent in Philadelphia

$1,400

/month (1BR)

$1,700

/month (2BR)

With subsidized housing (LIHTC or Section 8), you typically pay 30% of your adjusted gross income — often significantly less than market rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent in Philly with an eviction?
Yes. Philadelphia's Renters' Access Act, source-of-income protections, and many private rowhome landlords create real opportunities.
What is the Renters' Access Act?
It limits how landlords use eviction records, criminal history, and credit scores in screening.
Does Philly have source-of-income protections?
Yes. Landlords cannot refuse Housing Choice Vouchers.
Does PHA accept applicants with evictions?
Applications reviewed individually.
Best neighborhoods for eviction-friendly rentals?
North Philly, West Philly, Kensington, and Germantown.
Does Philly have right to counsel for evictions?
Yes. Free legal representation is available.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Eviction laws, tenant screening practices, and housing availability change frequently. Always contact properties directly to confirm current policies. An eviction on your record does not automatically disqualify you from housing — many landlords evaluate applicants individually. For legal advice about your eviction record or tenant rights, contact a legal aid organization or a HUD-approved housing counselor.

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