Eviction Mediation Program Related to Act 57

Mediate Early, Before Going to Court!

From August 2021 to August 2022, through early mediation of non-payment of rent issues between residential landlords and tenants, over 1300 cases mediated with 87% reaching agreement. Although Act 57 has expired, MCP still offers the opportunity for landlords and tenants to mediate and resolve their issues early and avoid the time and cost of going to court.

To schedule a free mediation session with your landlord or tenant:

News about the Eviction Mediation Program

 
The mediators, skilled at finding solutions mutually beneficial to the needs of both landlords and tenants, have increased the likelihood of agreements that permit tenants to stay in their home, and landlords to retain successful tenants.
 
 

Below this line is archived information about the Eviction Mediation Program when it was active. For current information about mediation and the programs MCP offers, please go to our Mediation page.

Mediation

Mediations will be conducted remotely via Zoom, except for limited in-person cases. Participants will need a computer with broadband internet (at least 600kbps, but 1.2Mbps preferable), a computer with speakers, microphone, and webcam. If you do not have the equipment, you may come into MCP’s office to use the equipment in a private room. For tips on how to effectively participate in mediation when it’s online, read these Tips for Remote Mediation.

Mediations will be scheduled for one 90-minute session, Monday through Friday between 9:00am – 4:00pm. Participants must arrive on time and be prepared.

You are required to electronically sign a Confidentiality Agreement that will be emailed to you before the start of your mediation. The Confidentiality Agreement reinforces that the mediation discussions are confidential and cannot be later shared by the mediators or the participants in a formal legal proceeding if the issues are not resolved in the mediation process. Anyone who was not previously scheduled to mediate in the session may not participate or be in the same room with you while you are in the mediation.

How to Prepare for This Mediation

  • Arrive on time. Click on the Zoom link 5-10 minutes before the start of the mediation. Wait for the mediator to admit you.

    If you have documents such as a lease agreement, schedule of back rent, or rental assistance application that you feel would be useful to refer to in the mediation, please have the documents scanned or available as a pdf to share electronically with the mediator.

  • Think about potential outcomes that will meet the needs of both landlord and tenant. Write down what you can offer during the mediation and what you are not able to do. For example, what is a reasonable timeline for payment plans? Are you willing to take less? Will your financial situation change in the future that would enable you to increase your payments? What are your plans for the residence?

  • Be prepared to listen with an open mind. Listen to and learn about the other participant’s perspective and consider their proposals. They might offer solutions you haven’t considered or didn’t know were possible and that work for you.

  • Commit to the process. When you participate in the mediation, commit to working out a resolution. Mediation is not a checkbox, but a powerful process that can help you come to an agreement that will enable landlord and tenant to move forward and avoid the legal process of eviction.