Program
Right to Counsel (Free Lawyer for Eviction)
Verified · October 23, 2026 Deadline soon — check dates
Philadelphia’s Right to Counsel law guarantees free legal representation to eligible low-income renters facing eviction, lease or tenancy termination, or PHA housing subsidy termination, in judicial proceedings such as Municipal Court and administrative proceedings such as the Fair Housing Commission. The City states that providers include Community Legal Services, Legal Clinic for the Disabled, and SeniorLAW Center, and a January 2025 City announcement also lists Philly VIP, the Tenant Union Representative Network, Philly Counts, and Clarifi among those providing representation, support, and outreach.
- Organization
- City of Philadelphia
- Address
- 1424 Chestnut St.
- Hours
- Community Legal Services walk-in hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Who qualifies
- To qualify, you must have an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level and live in a ZIP code covered by Right to Counsel. The City service page lists the covered ZIP codes as 19121, 19124, 19131, 19132, 19134, 19139, 19141, 19144, 19153, and 19154. Your immigration status will not affect your eligibility.
- Documents needed
- You will need to provide information to help staff determine eligibility, such as your household income and ZIP code, and you may be asked for documentation like a hearing notice or a notice of housing subsidy termination.
- How to apply
- Call the Philly Tenant Hotline at (267) 443-2500; the hotline is staffed by the Tenant Union Representative Network and interpretation services are available. If you are eligible, staff will refer you to a legal service provider. If you don't have access to a phone, you can visit Community Legal Services at 1424 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19102, during walk-in hours, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Cost
- Free. Right to Counsel provides free access to a lawyer; there is no cost for exercising this right.
- Last verified
- October 23, 2026
Something out of date? Report a problem with this listing.
