The Tangled Title Fund (TTF) is a grant program to help preserve affordable housing, prevent homelessness, and strengthen communities.
TTF grants are awarded to low-income persons seeking to clear legal title to their homes. Grants help to cover administrative, legal, and other costs that may arise in resolving a homeownership issue. The primary funder of the TTF is the City of Philadelphia through its Division of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
The TTF can help cover costs as you work on resolving your tangled title. If you believe you may have a tangled title issue, click here to learn how you can get legal help.
The TTF is funded by the City of Philadelphia, and its eligibility criteria are set by the Division of Housing and Community Development.
All TTF decisions are made by the independent Tangled Title Fund Advisory Committee (TTF Committee).
The TTF Committee is made up of attorneys from a range of practice settings, including large law firms, solo practices, and public interest organizations.
Philadelphia VIP (VIP) administers the TTF, including by processing applications and funding requests. The TTF and VIP are separate entities and have different eligibility criteria.
When determining if an applicant is eligible for a TTF grant, the TTF Committee considers the following factors. The eligibility requirements for TTF funding are different from the eligibility requirements for legal assistance from VIP. VIP clients are not guaranteed TTF funding, and non-VIP clients are eligible to apply for funding.
The applicant’s household income may not exceed 80% of the area median income (AMI). (See income chart below.) Documentation of household income must be provided.
The applicant may not have more than $10,000 in assets (cash, certificates of deposit, etc.). In calculating assets, the value of the home to which the applicant wants title is not counted.
The property with the tangled title problem must be the applicant’s primary residence, or the applicant must intend to make the property the applicant’s primary residence after clearing title to it.
The house must not be in a dangerous condition.
The goal of the case must be to make the applicant the record owner of the property at issue, and there must be a reasonable expectation that this goal can be reached.
The applicant must be able to pay – or secure other grants to pay – any amounts needed to resolve the case in excess of the maximum TTF grant.
| Household Size | 80% Area Median Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $59,050 per year |
| 2 people | $67,450 per year |
| 3 people | $75,900 per year |
| 4 people | $84,300 per year |
| 5 people | $91,050 per year |
| 6 people | $97,800 per year |
| 7 people | $104,550 per year |
| 8 people | $111,300 per year |
The TTF Committee is the final decision-maker on all TTF funding requests. The TTF Committee considers the following factors when it reviews applications and disbursement requests:
Name: Leila Bagenstos
Email (preferred): tangledtitlefund@gmail.com
Phone:(215) 523-9553
Fax: (215) 564-0845
Mail: Leila Bagenstos
1500 JFK Blvd, Suite 1850
Philadelphia, PA, 19102