Rent Help in Philadelphia: What’s Actually Open
Let’s start with the honest part: Philadelphia’s biggest rental program — the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waitlist at PHA — is closed, and the city’s pandemic-era rent assistance program (PHLRentAssist) has been closed since January 2022. Anyone who tells you otherwise is working from old news. But real help is still open. This guide walks through what actually exists in Philadelphia right now.
If you’re behind on rent or facing eviction
Eviction Diversion — free mediation, and sometimes money
Philadelphia law gives tenants the right to mediation before most evictions can be filed. Through the Eviction Diversion Program, a neutral mediator works with you and your landlord on a payment agreement — and the program now includes a targeted financial assistance component that can pay toward arrears in some cases. Your landlord starts the process after sending you a Notice of Diversion Rights; your job is to show up and take part. Help line: 215-523-9501. Details: Eviction Diversion.
Right to Counsel — a free lawyer if you’re sued for eviction
Low-income Philadelphia tenants who receive an eviction complaint have the right to a free attorney. Call the Philly Tenant Hotline at 267-443-2500 as soon as papers arrive — deadlines in eviction court are short. Details: Right to Counsel and the Tenant Hotline.
If you need a home you can afford
PHA public housing — open for some households
The Section 8 voucher list is closed (the last lottery was in early 2023), but PHA public housing remains open for some applicants — including wheelchair-accessible units, housing for people 55+, and referral-based programs. Check your status or ask what is open at 215-684-4300. Details: PHA housing. Be wary of any website charging a fee to “apply for Section 8” in Philadelphia — while the list is closed, there is nothing to apply for, and official applications are always free.
Homelessness prevention — OHS
If you are about to lose your housing, the city’s Office of Homeless Services runs prevention and intake services that can sometimes help with arrears, deposits, or emergency placement: 215-686-7177. Details: OHS prevention.
If you’re a senior renter — the rent rebate
Pennsylvania’s Property Tax / Rent Rebate program (PTRR) pays older adults (65+), widows and widowers 50+, and adults with disabilities a rebate of $380 to $1,000 on rent paid — and Philadelphia’s supplement can bring the maximum to $1,500. Household income must be $48,110 or less. The deadline for the current cycle is December 31, 2026. Details: Property Tax / Rent Rebate.
Lower the bills around the rent
Sometimes the fastest rent relief is shrinking everything else: PECO CAP and PGW CRP cap utility bills at a percentage of income, SNAP can free up hundreds a month in grocery money, and our utility help guide explains how to stack them.
Not sure what you qualify for?
Take our free 2-minute check — rent and housing help is one part of 285 free programs in our Philadelphia directory. We will match you to everything that fits your household and email you a step-by-step guide.
Philadelphia Benefits is not a government agency. Applying is always free at the official sites.
