Terrible Neighbors Doing Everything to Avoid Eviction - Help
Location: Philadelphia
I signed a lease for a first floor apartment in a split up house that started in November. The landlord called and told me after the deposit and everything that the tenant in the other first floor apartment was being evicted.
I have since been following the case online in the public records -
The lease is for two occupants. There have been countless people staying there. Sometimes short-term, sometimes long-term. Word on the street is that it is a squat, which I heard directly from my next-door neighbor. I never know who the hell is actually there.
They have not paid rent in almost a full year and owe thousands of dollars in unpaid rent and late fees.
They have been stealing electricity from the basement.
Pets ARE allowed with permission, but a dog suddenly showed up a little over a month ago. I hear barking all the time.
As a neighbor, I've noticed they are not clean. They have spray painted all over their unit - cabinets, walls, ceilings, etc. I'm talking penises, curse words, etc. When they leave after sitting on the front porch area, it smells as though they haven't showered in days. The smell of their apartment often leaks into my apartment - urine, smoke, incense. And there have been times where they have had loud parties until 4 or 5 AM. Just to paint a picture.
They signed the lease in 2024. The eviction process took to court in January 2026. The tenant requested a continuance in Feb which was granted. Things were moved to March. She failed to appear at the Notice of Judgment early April - it was ruled in favor of the landlord by default. The Praecipe Writ of Possession was filed mid May. Nothing was contested. The Alias Writ was filed to the sheriff 2 weeks later. Today, Aug 11, was the scheduled eviction day.
HOWEVER. Yesterday, Aug 10, the tenant petitioned to open the default judgment and stay the eviction on the grounds that she was unwell and did not have proper representation and something about the landlord not having proper L&I.
I, personally, am absolutely sick of this neighbor/situation. They are obviously playing the system so they can stay without paying.
Is there anything I can do as a neighbor to facilitate getting them out? Or are my options at this point to suck it up and stay or move when my lease is up?
Any advice or insight is appreciated!