The Pinellas Eviction Diversion Program (“PEDP”) is a recently launched initiative of the Community Law Program designed to assist qualified tenants and landlords who were financially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing mediation, facilitate access to rental assistance, and referrals of tenants for housing navigation services and/or for other basic needs designed to help prevent homelessness. While most communities have largely recovered from the serious health and financial consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for the services provided by this project still persist.
CLP's Eviction DiversionProgram
A service of Community Law Program, this initiative also provides legal advice to qualified individuals, assistance in applying for financial resources, and referrals to partner organizations for additional assistance.
Eviction Diversion for Hillsborough County Tenants and their Landlords:
Tenants and Landlords Agree
Eviction Diversion Benefits Everyone
Mediation
A Better Alternative To Litigation
Repair Relationship
In times of uncertainty, we have nothing if we don’t have each other. Our services are aimed at bringing tenants and landlords together to work towards a mutually beneficial solution in an effort to combat the economic impact of COVID-19.
Avoid Eviction
Our goal is to help tenants and landlords develop a solution that helps tenants regain their footing after suffering economic hardship and saves landlords the expenses incidental to filing in court.
Financial Support
Our staff are knowledgeable about the various community resources that are available to help tenants get caught up on rent and pay past-due utility bills. We can help inform both
tenants and landlords about these resources and, in some cases, help tenants navigate these resources.
tenants and landlords about these resources and, in some cases, help tenants navigate these resources.
Our Mission
PEDP combats homelessness caused by eviction through engaging in collaborative and innovative programming and services to benefit both tenants and landlords.
Our Vision
A community where unplanned, unforeseen financial hardship causes the least disruption to housing stability and neighborhood preservation.
Tenants and Landlords
Program Eligibility
Eviction Diversion Mediation is open to Tenants and Landlords currently involved in a court case as well as prior to either party filing with the Court. For Tenants, the qualifications are:
- Must have been economically impacted by COVID-19.
- Must have a combined household income at or below 200% of federal poverty.
- Must be a Pinellas County resident.
For Landlords, your tenant must meet the criteria stated above. See “Services” for more info.
Not eligible? Please check out our Collaborating Partners Section.
We Can Help
Services
Helping Tenants and Landlords avoid evictions related to COVID-19.
Professional Mediation
If the case is viable for mediation, a certified mediator will serve as a neutral third party to help tenants and landlords develop their own solution to resolve their dispute.
Still Need Help?
We are a service of Community Law Program, which provides free civil legal services to financially eligible residents and qualified non-profit organizations in Pinellas County, Florida.
Learn MoreHelp Accessing Money to Pay Rent
Numerous resources may be available to help tenants catch up on rent. PEDP staff are knowledgeable of these resources and can educate both tenants and landlords on where they might find help. In some cases, our staff can help tenants apply for these programs.
Assistance Navigating Housing Alternatives
With permission from the tenant, our PEDP team will gather information about your current & desired housing situation and then make a referral to a Housing Navigator to help find a new home. Help paying initial rent for the new home may also be available.
Referrals for Other Basic Needs
We partner with other organizations in our community that provide basic needs to residents focused on homelessness prevention, and with permission from the tenant, our PEDP staff can make referrals to these organizations on their behalf.
Avoid Eviction During This Time.
If you are having trouble paying your rent or are not sure how to catch up, we can help with mediation between tenants and landlords or provide guidance on rental assistance programs.