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Landlord-tenant court in Philadelphia

Eviction cases in Philadelphia go to Municipal Court. If your landlord filed a case, you will generally get court papers. They give a hearing date. Going to the hearing matters. Here is what the papers look like, what to bring, and who can help.

Updated

What the court papers look like

Court papers are not the same as a notice from your landlord. They generally come from Municipal Court. They name you and your landlord. They give a hearing date, time and place. They may be called a complaint, or a landlord-tenant complaint.

Go to your hearing

Go to your hearing, and be on time. If you do not go, the judge may decide the case without you.

Your court papers say where your hearing is. The court's civil office is at 1339 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19107. For general court questions, call 215-686-7000.

What to bring

Your landlord's rental license and certificate

To evict, your landlord generally needs a valid rental license. They also need a Certificate of Rental Suitability. New rules are reported to start on November 1, 2026. Under them, the certificate generally must be dated within 30 days before the case is filed.

You may ask your landlord for the certificate. The landlord is reported to have 10 days to give it to you. StayTenant can show the rental license records the City has for your address. You can bring them to court.

If you complained before you got the notice

Did you complain about problems in your home before the notice came? Tell the judge, and bring proof. Punishing a tenant for a complaint is called retaliation. City law generally bars it.

New City rules are reported to start on November 1, 2026. They cover a notice that comes within 12 months after a violation was found at your home. They also cover a notice that comes within 12 months after you used a legal right, such as making a complaint. Then your landlord may have to prove the notice was not payback.

Once your landlord files in court, the Fair Housing Commission can no longer take your complaint. But you may still be able to raise payback, or a lack of good cause, in court. Confirm with legal help.

What to do today

  1. Read the court papers right away. Write the hearing date where you will see it.
  2. Call the Philly Tenant Hotline at 267-443-2500. You may be able to get free legal help before your hearing.
  3. Gather the papers on the list above.
  4. Make a StayTenant packet with dated City records for your address.
  5. Go to your hearing, on time.

Common questions

What happens if I miss my hearing?

The judge may decide the case without you. If that happens, call the Philly Tenant Hotline right away. There may still be steps you can take.

Do I need a lawyer?

You do not have to have one. But you may be able to get free legal help. Call the Philly Tenant Hotline at 267-443-2500 as soon as you get court papers.

Can I be evicted on the day of the hearing?

Generally, no. The hearing is where the judge decides the case. If the judge rules for your landlord, more court steps come before you can be made to leave. Help is still there for you.

What if my landlord already filed in court?

The Fair Housing Commission may no longer take your case. But you still have options. Call the Philly Tenant Hotline. Keep every paper you get. Bring proof of your complaints to court. Also bring proof of your landlord's rental license status.

Where to get help

Call the Philly Tenant Hotline267-443-2500

Fair Housing Commission

The Fair Housing Commission is a City office. It hears tenant complaints about unfair rental practices, like a notice that may be payback for a complaint.

To file, fill out the Commission's intake form. You can mail, email, or fax it, or bring it in. It is free.

Open the intake form

Before you file, call to confirm the steps.

Sources

We are still checking the rules in this tool with legal partners. Each rule below shows where it came from and whether it has been verified. Some details may change. Call the Philly Tenant Hotline to confirm.