Tenant Defense Lawyer

FIGHTING EVICTION

We offer superior representation at competitive rates for you and your family:

PHILADELPHIA PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE

The Code requires landlords to provide fit and habitable properties to tenants to collect rent. Additionally, the landlord must be procedurally compliant with the Code to successfully process an eviction. Many unrepresented landlords file procedurally improper complaints that a tenant may successfully defend in Philadelphia Landlord Tenant Court.

CERTIFICATE OF RENTAL SUITABILITY

The landlord must provide the tenant a Certificate of Rental Suitability and Partners for Good Housing Handbook at the inception of the leasehold. If these documents were not provided to you then landlord cannot legally collect rent. The landlord must also provide you with a Philadelphia Lead Safe Certificate in certain cases where the property is constructed before 1978 and there are young children in the property. If landlord fails to certify the property is lead safe as required then you may be eligible for a rental refund.

PHILADELPHIA LEAD SAFE CERTIFICATE

The landlord must also provide you with a Philadelphia Lead Safe Certificate in certain cases where the property is constructed before 1978 and there are young children in the property. If landlord fails to certify the property is lead safe as required then you may be eligible for a rental refund.

ASSERT UNINHABITABILITY AS A DEFENSE

Tenants have a right to assert uninhabitability as a defense to rent owed. If there are issues with the property you may be entitled to a rental abatement. Such issues often include leaking ceilings, electrical issues, water plumbing issues or any violations of the Philadelphia Property Maintenance code. It’s a good idea to take photographs of the violations in anticipation of a trial before a judge.

The Law Office of Mark D. Copoulos was founded on our commitment to the client. We pride ourselves on unparalleled service. Our firm answers all incoming calls from clients, at all hours, and strives to promptly resolve your legal issue.

Areas of Practice

1628 JFK Blvd., Ste. 1301
Philadelphia, PA 19103