The Pinellas Eviction Diversion Program is a new service offered by the Community Law Program which provides no cost virtual mediation services to qualified tenants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and landlords involved in eviction related disputes. The Program partners with several agencies including Bay Area Legal Services, Gulfcoast Legal Services, Stetson University College of Law, the Homeless Leadership Alliance, 211 Tampa Bay, Dab Community Services, and Community Development and Training (CDAT).
This exciting new program is a “One Stop Shop” for qualifying tenants needing:
- Free legal help
- A neutral third party (mediator) to work with them and their landlord to try to resolve a dispute over rent
- Help applying for money to pay rent through Pinellas CARES
- Help locating a new place to live (if unable to stay in their current residence)
Participation in virtual mediation is currently voluntary, so both parties must agree to participate. The Program is open to tenants and landlords currently involved in a court case as well as to tenants and landlords who have a disagreement but neither party has filed anything with the Court. To learn more, read the Pinellas Eviction Diversion Program flyer. To apply for help, please call (727) 582-7475.