CLS supports HB291 to Help Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure

L to R:  Rachel Labush, State Rep. Rick Krajewski, PHFA Servicing Director Kate Newton, & PHFA Counsel Steven O’Neill CLS attorney Rachel Labush testified before the House Finance Committee in Harrisburg on June 13, 2023 in support of HB 291, a bill that would help homeowners avoid foreclosures and avoid losing their homes at sheriff…

Information for Homeowners When Construction Starts Next Door

Information for homeowners when new construction begins next door In neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia, residents’ homes are being affected by nearby demolition, renovation, and construction. A new city law provides new rights and information to residents about adjacent construction that is permitted after January 1, 2023. Below are frequently asked questions about your rights when development…

City Expands Right to Counsel for Eligible Philadelphia Tenants into Two Additional Zip Codes

Following the success of initial rollout, low-income tenants in 19134 and 19144 zip codes are now guaranteed legal representation when facing eviction​   PHILADELPHIA –  Starting February 1, 2023, low-income renters in Philadelphia zip codes 19134 and 19144 are entitled to free legal representation if they are facing eviction. Legislation providing for guaranteed legal representation, known…

Testimony in Support of the Philadelphia Neighborhood Preservation Initiative

Today, October 14, City Council unanimously passed the 2021-2022 Neighborhood Preservation Initiative Program Statement and Budget to provide significant new funding for affordable housing, first time home buyers, home repair programs, small businesses, rental assistance, eviction prevention, and tangled title representation.  Community Legal Services strongly supports this new funding.  Michael Froehlich, Managing Attorney of CLS’s Homeownership and Consumer…