Housing problems can be overwhelming and affect every part of life. If you are dealing with discrimination in housing, the threat of foreclosure, or a dispute with your landlord, Summit Legal Aid may be able to help. Our attorneys and paralegals work to protect housing rights and provide guidance through these difficult situations.
HOUSING
Ensure Your Right to Fair Housing
Foreclosure
For most people, receiving a notice of foreclosure is completely out of their control: things like lost jobs and other financial hardships can result in an inability to make mortgage payments. Summit Legal Aid can help families navigate the foreclosure process, protect their rights, and work toward solutions that preserve both their housing and their financial future.
Eviction
If you have a written lease, you have a right to stay in the residence until the end of the lease term, as long as you live up to your end of the lease. If you do not have a written lease, in most circumstances the law considers you to have an oral month-to-month lease. Either you or your landlord can terminate the lease at the end of any month, for any reason or for no reason.
Discrimination
Despite progress in the laws over the last half-century, housing discrimination is still a problem faced by many people. If you have experienced housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status, or disability, you have recourse with our help from advocates with our Fair Housing Law Center.
Other Landlord-Tenant Matters
Private Landlord-Tenant
When you first sign a lease and move into a new building, it might seem like your landlord has all the power. Especially if you have a problem with the property and can’t get a reply from them, or if you are having a hard time paying rent. In reality, you have rights protected by state and federal law. Summit Legal Aid can help.
Your Right to a Decent Home
When you rent a home, Pennsylvania law says that it must be a decent place to live. This right to a safe and sanitary home comes from a decision of the state Supreme Court. The court called this right the implied warranty of habitability.
Mobile Homes
Residents of manufactured home parks in Pennsylvania have special legal rights under the Manufactured Home Community Rights Act.
Knowing and using your rights as a manufactured, or mobile, home owner might be the difference between staying on a lot or having to move your home.
Subsidized Housing
Public housing and subsidized housing are government programs that provide decent and affordable homes to people of lower incomes. These programs provide housing, help pay rent, or provide low-cost mortgage loans to buy or repair a home.
Housing Resources
WE CAN HELP
Depending on the issue, we can give you advice, represent you in court, or help you fill out complicated legal paperwork. And if you qualify, our services will be free to you.
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