The Landlord Engagement Program (LEP) of the Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services provides incentives for property owners to rent to families and individuals experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. There is no cost to join this program.
The program:
- Helps people experiencing homelessness quickly find housing in high-cost, low-vacancy housing markets.
- Increases access to affordable housing options and housing stability.
- Creates permanent housing opportunities.
- Encourages BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) and MWBE (minority/women-owned enterprise) landlord participation.
Landlord incentives include:
- Free online rental listings on Padmission, a platform for connecting landlords with renters.
- Consistent and on-time rental payments.
- Pre-screening and tenant selection.
- Pre-inspection certification.
- Landlord and tenant education on issues like rights and responsibilities, fair housing, and financial management.
- A contingency fund to help landlords cover expenses after move-out, such as repairs that exceed security deposits or rent due to unforeseen vacancies.
- Landlord liaisons and housing specialists to answer questions.
- Neutral mediators to address landlord/tenant concerns and conflict.
Connect
Email landlords@phila.gov
Phone: (215) 686-7182
Eligibility
To participate in this program, landlords must:
- Have the property inspected by the Office of Homeless Services (OHS) before a lease is signed.
- Be current on property taxes.
- Be current on utilities, which must be turned on for inspections.
Process
- If you're an eligible landlord, fill out the online program application or call (215) 686-7182 to get started.
- Attend an information session with the landlord engagement coordinator and schedule a property inspection with OHS.
- If your property does not pass inspection, you will have the opportunity to address concerns and resubmit for inspection.
- Add the vacant unit to the online portal.
- The coordinator will provide you with login information.
- Review tenant applications.
- Select a tenant and sign a lease.
You will receive payment by check or direct deposit from an OHS-approved contract agency.
