FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How can mediation help me?

Mediation allows both parties to work together to find solutions. It provides a space for you to share about the situation from your point of view and collaborate with the other party to reach an agreement. In addition, Mediation Resource Navigators from RentHelpPGH are assigned to mediations to connect participants to community resources, often including rental assistance resources.
Why would a landlord use mediation instead of court?

Mediation is a free resource that allows landlords and tenants to reach solutions to their housing disputes outside of court. Having a mediator facilitate a conversation between landlord and tenant encourages participants to uncover the root cause of the conflict and identify potential solutions. Additionally, when a landlord files with the magistrate, that filing will stay on the tenant’s record and may impact future housing opportunities for them. Mediation provides an alternative method to access resources, speak to your tenant, and reach a resolution.
What kind of outcome can I get from mediation?

Unlike eviction court where a judge tells you what to do, mediation creates a more level playing field where both parties have a hand in crafting an agreement that is reasonable and realistic for their situation. Some examples of resolutions include connecting to rental assistance, creating payment arrangements, negotiating timelines for repairs, noise management, and behavioral changes.
Do you provide rental assistance?

Just Mediation Pittsburgh does not provide rental assistance. We partner with an agency called RentHelpPGH, who assigns a Mediation Resource Navigator (MRN) to each mediation. The MRN will contact mediation participants prior to mediation to screen for rental assistance eligibility, and if an agreement is reached during mediation and the participants wish to apply for rental assistance, the MRN will assist the participants with completing a rental assistance application.
How do I apply?

Tenants and landlords can request a mediation by filling out the online intake form on our website. Wait times may vary and filling out the online intake form is the quickest way to receive outreach. You can also request mediation by calling and leaving a message at 412-228-0730 or emailing info@justmediationpgh.org. Please allow up to 10 business days to receive outreach. Our team will attempt to contact the initiating party via phone, text, and email, so please keep an eye on your devices after submitting your application.
Can I request a mediation if there has already been a court filing?

Just Mediation Pittsburgh is unable to mediate cases for which there has already been a court filing. If the landlord has already filed with a magistrate but wishes to go to mediation instead, the landlord will need to withdraw the filing and contact Just Mediation Pittsburgh to request mediation.
What is your cancellation/rescheduling policy?

Mediation participants will have to wait six months after the date of your scheduled mediation to complete a new intake and re-enter the scheduling queue if: You do not attend your scheduled mediation. You come unprepared without proper documentation relevant to your mediation (lease, ledgers, receipts, etc.). In this case, your mediation may need to be canceled and rescheduled. If parties request to reschedule after receiving the information for their mediation shared via email, this email subject is “Just Mediation Pittsburgh L&T_000000.” This email contains the Zoom link and the name of the assigned mediator. Prior to receiving the email with the Zoom link, parties may request to reschedule their mediation by contacting the intake specialist they spoke to initially or by calling JMP's intake line at 412-228-0730. Exceptions may apply in the case of emergencies or extraordinary situations.
How much will this cost me?

Nothing! Mediation is completely free for landlords and tenants.
Who will the mediator be?

JMP works with over 50 community mediators. We have a diverse group and many of them are members of various community organizations and come from different backgrounds.
What do you mean that the agreement is legally binding?

The agreement serves as an addendum to the lease agreement and can be upheld in court if either party does not fulfill the agreement. It is a contract that both parties sign and agree to.
Where do I have to go for the mediation?

Our mediations are conducted remotely, so you can stay at home and log on at the scheduled time. We use zoom for video conferencing, and can arrange for participation by phone call if needed. We do ask that you are free from distractions and able to fully participate in the mediation.
How long will the mediation last?

Mediation is scheduled for an hour and a half. The mediation does not always last the full time, but participants need to be available for the full hour and a half to ensure that there is enough time to complete the conversation. The exception to this is for cases that require an interpreter, those mediations will be scheduled for three hours.
What happens after the mediation?

If the agreement states that the participants will be applying for rental assistance, the Mediation Resource Navigator will submit the rental assistance application after mediation. Participants should continue to monitor their emails, calls, and texts to ensure that the Mediation Resource Navigator has not reached out to request additional information. Please be aware that rental assistance may take 8-10 weeks to process after your mediation.
I have questions for the mediator after the mediation, why aren’t they answering?

Our mediators work with you during the time of the actual mediation, and are not responsible for following up. If any questions arise after the mediation, please call JMP at 412-228-0730 and our staff will be happy to answer your questions. If your question is related to a rental assistance application, please contact the Mediation Resource Navigator who was assigned to your case.