Yes. Many landlord-tenant disputes in the Philippines can be brought first to the barangay for mediation or conciliation, especially when the landlord and tenant are individual persons who actually reside in the same city or municipality. The barangay can help the parties settle issues such as unpaid rent, security deposits, repairs, water or electricity disputes, nuisance complaints, and demands to vacate. But the barangay cannot forcibly evict a tenant, order the sheriff to remove someone, or decide ownership of the property like a court. If no settlement is reached, the barangay may issue a Certificate to File Action, which is often needed before filing an ejectment or collection case in court.

What does “settling at the barangay” mean?

Barangay settlement is part of the Katarungang Pambarangay system under the Local Government Code of 1991, Republic Act No. 7160. It is a community-based dispute resolution process handled through the Lupong Tagapamayapa, usually starting with the Punong Barangay or barangay captain. The goal is not to conduct a formal trial, but to bring the parties together and see if they can reach a practical written agreement. (Supreme Court E-Library)

In a landlord-tenant situation, this may involve a settlement such as:

the tenant agrees to pay rent arrears by installment;
the landlord agrees to return the security deposit after deducting documented unpaid bills or damage;
both sides agree on a move-out date;
the landlord agrees to make specific repairs;
the tenant agrees to stop unauthorized subleasing;
the parties agree on how to handle unpaid utilities;
both sides agree to terminate the lease peacefully.

A barangay settlement is useful because many rental disputes are really communication and documentation problems. The landlord may feel ignored after repeated unpaid rent. The tenant may feel harassed or unfairly charged. The barangay process gives both sides a structured meeting before the problem becomes a full court case.

When are landlord-tenant disputes required to go through the barangay first?

Under Section 408 of RA 7160, the lupon has authority to bring together parties actually residing in the same city or municipality for amicable settlement, subject to specific exceptions. Section 412 says that matters within the lupon’s authority generally cannot be filed directly in court or another government office for adjudication unless barangay confrontation has occurred and no settlement was reached, or the settlement was later repudiated. (Supreme Court E-Library)

For ordinary rental disputes, barangay conciliation is commonly required when:

Situation	Barangay first?	Practical meaning
Landlord and tenant are both individuals living in the same city or municipality	Usually yes	File first at the proper barangay before going to court
Tenant rents a house, apartment, room, or bedspace and both parties reside in the same city	Usually yes	Barangay may mediate unpaid rent, deposits, repairs, or move-out terms
Dispute involves the leased property itself	Usually file in barangay where the property is located	Section 409 places disputes involving real property in the barangay where the property or larger portion is situated
Landlord is a corporation, condominium developer, property company, or juridical entity	Usually not covered by barangay conciliation as a mandatory requirement	Supreme Court Circular No. 14-93 states that complaints by or against corporations, partnerships, or juridical entities are excluded because only individuals are parties to barangay conciliation
Landlord lives in a different city or municipality and the barangays do not adjoin, or the parties do not agree to barangay settlement	Usually not mandatory	The case may proceed directly to the proper court or office, depending on the issue
Urgent court relief is needed, such as injunction or attachment	May go directly to court	Section 412 allows direct court action in specific urgent situations

The Supreme Court has repeatedly treated barangay conciliation as a pre-condition to court action when the dispute falls within the Katarungang Pambarangay system. In Sps. Belvis v. Sps. Erola, the Court explained that Section 412 requires prior barangay conciliation before filing a complaint in court when applicable. (Supreme Court E-Library)

What types of landlord-tenant disputes can the barangay handle?

The barangay can help with many common rental problems, especially if the goal is settlement rather than punishment or forced eviction.

Common disputes suitable for barangay conciliation

unpaid rent;
delayed rent payments;
security deposit refund;
deductions from deposit for repairs, unpaid bills, or damage;
demand to vacate after lease expiration;
disagreement over rent increase;
repairs and maintenance;
leaking roof, plumbing issues, electrical issues, or unsafe premises;
unauthorized subleasing;
noisy tenant, nuisance, or disturbance;
unpaid water, electricity, association dues, or internet bills;
move-out schedule;
lost keys, damaged fixtures, repainting, or cleaning charges;
disagreement over verbal lease terms.

The Civil Code is often relevant. Article 1654 requires the lessor to deliver the leased property in a condition fit for use, make necessary repairs unless otherwise agreed, and maintain the lessee in peaceful and adequate enjoyment of the lease. Article 1657 requires the lessee to pay rent according to the agreed terms and use the property properly. (Lawphil)

Disputes the barangay cannot finally decide

The barangay is not a substitute for the court. It generally cannot:

physically evict a tenant;
issue a writ of execution like a court sheriff;
order police to remove the tenant just because the landlord complains;
conclusively decide ownership or title;
award large contested damages through a formal judgment unless the parties validly settle or arbitrate;
bind a corporation or juridical entity in a proceeding where barangay conciliation is not legally applicable;
handle criminal offenses outside the barangay’s authority.

If the tenant refuses to leave after valid demand, the landlord’s usual remedy is an ejectment case in the proper first-level court, such as the Metropolitan Trial Court, Municipal Trial Court in Cities, Municipal Trial Court, or Municipal Circuit Trial Court.

The barangay can mediate, but only the court can eject

This is one of the most misunderstood points in Philippine landlord-tenant disputes.

A landlord cannot simply ask the barangay captain to “evict” a tenant. Even if the tenant has not paid rent, the barangay’s role is to mediate and document whether settlement is reached. If the tenant refuses to settle or vacate, the landlord usually needs to file an ejectment case.

Under Article 1673 of the Civil Code, a lessor may judicially eject a lessee when the lease period has expired, rent is unpaid, lease conditions are violated, or the property is used in an unauthorized way that causes deterioration. The key word is judicially. That means through court, not through self-help eviction. (Lawphil)

For unlawful detainer cases, Rule 70 generally requires a demand to pay or comply with the lease conditions and to vacate before the court case is filed, unless the case is based on lease expiration where demand rules may differ depending on the facts. The Supreme Court in Cruz v. Heirs of Cruz discussed Rule 70’s demand requirement and the one-year period for ejectment actions. (Supreme Court E-Library)

Legal basis: Katarungang Pambarangay and lease law

RA 7160, Local Government Code

The main barangay conciliation rules are found in Sections 399 to 422 of RA 7160.

Important provisions include:

Section 408: states which disputes may be brought before the lupon for amicable settlement and lists exceptions.
Section 409: provides venue rules, including disputes involving real property.
Section 410: explains the procedure, including mediation by the lupon chairman and constitution of the pangkat if mediation fails.
Section 411: requires amicable settlements to be in writing, in a language or dialect known to the parties, signed by them, and attested.
Section 412: makes barangay conciliation a pre-condition to filing in court when applicable.
Section 415: requires parties to appear personally, without lawyers or representatives, except for minors and incompetents assisted by non-lawyer next-of-kin.
Section 416: gives an amicable settlement or arbitration award the force and effect of a final court judgment after 10 days, unless repudiated or challenged.
Section 417: allows execution by the lupon within six months; after that, enforcement is by action in the proper city or municipal court.
Section 418: allows repudiation of the settlement within 10 days on grounds such as fraud, violence, or intimidation. (Supreme Court E-Library)

Supreme Court Circular No. 14-93

Supreme Court Circular No. 14-93 reminds courts that barangay conciliation is a pre-condition before filing a complaint in court or government offices for disputes covered by the Katarungang Pambarangay law. It also lists important exclusions, including disputes involving the government, public officers acting in official functions, real properties in different cities or municipalities, corporations or juridical entities, parties residing in different cities or municipalities, serious offenses, labor disputes, and urgent actions such as injunction. (Lawphil)

The Circular also explains that a court case filed without required barangay conciliation may be dismissed for prematurity or failure to state a cause of action, not because the court has no jurisdiction. (Lawphil)

Civil Code lease provisions

The Civil Code provisions on lease remain important, especially when the unit is not covered by special rent control rules.

Key provisions include:

Article 1654: lessor’s duties to deliver the property fit for use, make necessary repairs, and maintain peaceful enjoyment.
Article 1657: lessee’s duties to pay rent, use the property properly, and pay deed-of-lease expenses.
Article 1658: lessee may suspend rent if the lessor fails to make necessary repairs or maintain peaceful enjoyment.
Article 1659: aggrieved party may seek rescission and damages for breach of Articles 1654 or 1657.
Article 1660: tenant may terminate at once if a dwelling creates imminent and serious danger to life or health.
Article 1673: lessor may judicially eject the tenant for expiration of lease, non-payment, violation of lease conditions, or improper use causing deterioration. (Lawphil)

Rent Control Act, RA 9653

For covered residential units, the Rent Control Act of 2009, Republic Act No. 9653, may affect rent increases, deposits, and grounds for ejectment.

RA 9653 provides that the lessor cannot demand more than one month advance rent and more than two months deposit, and that the deposit should be kept in a bank under the lessor’s account name during the lease. It also lists judicial ejectment grounds for covered units, including unauthorized subleasing, three months’ rent arrears, legitimate need of the owner to repossess for personal or immediate family use after lease expiration with three months’ formal notice, necessary repairs under an order of condemnation, and expiration of the lease period. (Supreme Court E-Library)

For the current rent-control period, the National Human Settlements Board set rent caps for covered residential units with monthly rent of ₱10,000 or less: 2.3% for 2025 and 1% for 2026, subject to the conditions in the issuance, including continued occupancy by the same tenant. (Philippine Information Agency)

Which barangay should handle a landlord-tenant dispute?

Venue matters. Filing in the wrong barangay can delay the process.

Under Section 409 of RA 7160:

Type of dispute	Proper barangay
Parties live in the same barangay	Barangay where they both reside
Parties live in different barangays but same city or municipality	Barangay where the respondent resides, at the complainant’s election if there are several respondents
Dispute involves real property or interest in real property	Barangay where the property, or larger portion of it, is located
Dispute arises at a workplace or school	Barangay where the workplace or school is located

For landlord-tenant disputes, barangay staff often direct the complainant to the barangay where the leased property is located, especially when the complaint concerns possession, use, repairs, or move-out from that property.

Step-by-step: How to bring a landlord-tenant dispute to the barangay

1. Prepare your documents before going to the barangay

Bring photocopies and keep originals safe.

Useful documents include:

lease contract;
receipts for rent, deposit, and advance payment;
screenshots of rent reminders or payment confirmations;
demand letter, if any;
move-in checklist or photos;
photos/videos of damage, repairs, leaks, or unsafe conditions;
utility bills;
barangay ID or government ID;
authorization documents only for background support, remembering that personal appearance is generally required;
written computation of unpaid rent, bills, deposit deductions, or claimed refund.

If the lease was verbal, bring proof that the rental relationship exists: messages, bank transfers, GCash receipts, witnesses, photos of occupancy, or written acknowledgments.

2. File a complaint with the barangay

Go to the barangay hall and explain the issue briefly. The complaint may be oral or written. Section 410 allows an individual with a cause of action against another individual within the lupon’s authority to complain orally or in writing upon payment of the appropriate filing fee. (Supreme Court E-Library)

Barangay filing fees vary by local ordinance and are usually modest. Ask for a receiving copy or note of the complaint details.

3. Wait for summons

After receiving the complaint, the lupon chairman should summon the respondent, with notice to the complainant, for mediation. The law says the lupon chairman shall summon the respondent within the next working day for the parties and their witnesses to appear for mediation. (Supreme Court E-Library)

In practice, timelines vary depending on the barangay’s caseload, staff availability, and whether the respondent is easy to locate.

4. Attend the mediation personally

In Katarungang Pambarangay proceedings, parties must appear in person and generally without lawyers or representatives. Lawyers may advise you before or after the barangay hearing, but they normally do not appear for you in the barangay conciliation itself. (Supreme Court E-Library)

This rule is especially important for:

OFW landlords;
foreign tenants who travel often;
property owners living abroad;
tenants asking a relative to appear for them;
landlords using agents or brokers.

If personal appearance is impossible, ask the barangay what it will record. Do not assume that a Special Power of Attorney automatically replaces personal appearance in Katarungang Pambarangay proceedings.

5. Try to reduce any settlement into clear written terms

If you settle, make the agreement specific. Avoid vague terms like “tenant will pay soon” or “landlord will repair everything.”

A useful settlement should state:

exact amount to be paid;
due dates;
payment method;
move-out date, if any;
which items may be deducted from deposit;
who pays unpaid utilities;
condition for refunding deposit;
repairs to be done and deadline;
what happens if either party fails to comply;
confirmation that parties signed freely.

Under Section 411, the settlement must be in writing, in a language or dialect known to the parties, signed by them, and attested by the lupon or pangkat chairman. (Supreme Court E-Library)

6. If mediation fails, proceed to the pangkat

If the Punong Barangay cannot settle the matter within 15 days from the first meeting, the barangay should constitute the Pangkat ng Tagapagkasundo, a three-member conciliation panel. The pangkat then hears the parties, simplifies issues, and explores settlement. It generally has 15 days from convening to arrive at a settlement or resolution, extendible for another period not exceeding 15 days in meritorious cases. (Supreme Court E-Library)

A common mistake is asking for a Certificate to File Action immediately after the first failed meeting with the barangay captain. Supreme Court Circular No. 14-93 warns that if mediation before the Punong Barangay fails, it is mandatory to constitute the pangkat before issuing the certification, unless the situation falls under a proper exception. (Lawphil)

7. Get the proper certificate if no settlement is reached

If no settlement is reached after the required proceedings, the barangay may issue a Certificate to File Action. This document is often attached to the court complaint to show compliance with barangay conciliation.

Supreme Court Circular No. 14-93 explains that certification should be issued only after the proper requirements are met, such as actual confrontation before the parties and failure to settle, or failure of confrontation through no fault of the complainant. (Lawphil)

What happens if the tenant ignores the barangay summons?

If a party or witness refuses or willfully fails to appear before the lupon or pangkat despite summons, Section 515 of RA 7160 allows punishment by the city or municipal court as indirect contempt upon proper application. It also states that a complainant who fails to appear may be barred from seeking judicial recourse for the same cause of action, while a respondent who refuses to appear may be barred from filing a counterclaim arising from the complaint. (Supreme Court E-Library)

In practical terms:

If the landlord filed the barangay complaint but repeatedly fails to attend, the landlord may damage the future court case.
If the tenant refuses to attend without valid reason, the barangay may record non-appearance and issue the proper certification if requirements are met.
If the respondent cannot be located, keep proof of attempts to serve summons or notices.

Can a barangay settlement be enforced?

Yes, but the procedure depends on timing.

Under Section 416 of RA 7160, an amicable settlement or arbitration award has the force and effect of a final court judgment after 10 days from the date of settlement, unless repudiated or challenged. Section 417 says it may be enforced by execution by the lupon within six months from the settlement date. After six months, it may be enforced by action in the proper city or municipal court. (Supreme Court E-Library)

Time from settlement	How enforcement usually works
Within 10 days	A party may repudiate the settlement on legal grounds such as fraud, violence, or intimidation
After 10 days but within 6 months	Ask the lupon to enforce the settlement
After 6 months	File an action in the proper first-level court to enforce the settlement

This is why written settlement terms matter. If the agreement says only “tenant will pay balance,” enforcement becomes harder. If it says “tenant shall pay ₱30,000 in three installments of ₱10,000 on August 15, September 15, and October 15, 2026,” enforcement is clearer.

Barangay settlement vs court case: which one applies?

Issue	Barangay	Court
Unpaid rent	Can mediate payment terms	Can order payment if proper case is filed
Security deposit refund	Can mediate deductions and refund date	Can decide monetary claim
Repairs	Can mediate repair schedule	Can decide breach of lease and damages
Demand to vacate	Can mediate peaceful move-out	Can order ejectment
Physical eviction	Cannot do this	Sheriff may enforce court judgment
Ownership dispute	Not proper for final barangay decision	Court decides
Rent-control violation	Can mediate practical settlement	May involve DHSUD/local offices or court depending on remedy
Settlement agreement	Can create binding written settlement	Court can enforce after proper action

If barangay settlement fails, what case is usually filed?

Ejectment case

If the landlord wants to recover possession of the property, the usual case is ejectment in the first-level court. Ejectment has two common forms:

Forcible entry: the person’s possession was illegal from the start because entry was by force, intimidation, threat, strategy, or stealth.
Unlawful detainer: the tenant’s possession was lawful at first, but became unlawful after lease expiration, non-payment, termination, or violation of lease terms.

Landlord-tenant cases are usually unlawful detainer cases.

The Supreme Court’s Rules on Expedited Procedures in the First Level Courts cover forcible entry and unlawful detainer cases under summary procedure, which is designed to move faster than ordinary civil cases. The same rules also cover certain money claims and enforcement of barangay settlement agreements. (Supreme Court of the Philippines)

Small claims case

If the issue is only money, such as unpaid rent or return of deposit, and no one is asking for possession of the property, a small claims case may be possible if the claim falls within the threshold. The Supreme Court has stated that small claims may include money owed under contracts of lease, and the threshold has been increased to ₱1,000,000. (Supreme Court of the Philippines)

Small claims cases are simplified, and lawyers generally do not appear in the hearing. This can be useful for unpaid rent, utilities, or deposit refunds where possession is no longer an issue.

Practical examples

Example 1: Tenant has three months of unpaid rent

A tenant in Manila owes three months’ rent. The landlord and tenant are both individuals residing in Manila. The landlord wants payment and possibly move-out.

The landlord should usually:

Review the lease contract.
Send a written demand to pay and/or vacate, if appropriate.
File a barangay complaint if the parties fall under Katarungang Pambarangay.
Attend mediation and try to agree on payment or move-out.
If no settlement is reached, secure the Certificate to File Action.
File unlawful detainer or collection case, depending on the remedy needed.

Example 2: Landlord refuses to return security deposit

A tenant moved out and left the unit in good condition, but the landlord refuses to return the two-month deposit and gives no computation.

The tenant should prepare:

lease contract;
proof of deposit payment;
move-out photos/videos;
utility payment receipts;
messages requesting return;
handover acknowledgment, if any.

Barangay conciliation can help force a practical discussion: What exactly is being deducted? Is there proof of damage? When will the balance be returned?

Example 3: Tenant complains about unsafe electrical wiring

If the unit is unsafe, the tenant should document the condition and notify the landlord in writing. Article 1654 requires necessary repairs, and Article 1660 allows a lessee to terminate the lease at once if a dwelling creates imminent and serious danger to life or health. (Lawphil)

The barangay may help mediate repairs, temporary relocation, rent adjustment, or termination. If there is immediate danger, the tenant may also need to coordinate with the city or municipal engineering office, building official, Bureau of Fire Protection, or other relevant local office.

Example 4: Foreigner renting a condo in the Philippines

A foreign tenant living in Makati rents from an individual Filipino owner who also resides in Makati. If a dispute arises over deposit, repairs, or move-out, barangay conciliation may apply because the issue is not based on citizenship but on the nature of the dispute and the parties’ actual residence.

But if the landlord is a corporation, a property management company, or a condominium corporation, mandatory barangay conciliation may not apply in the same way because juridical entities are excluded under Supreme Court Circular No. 14-93. (Lawphil)

A foreigner should bring a passport, ACR I-Card if available, lease contract, payment records, and screenshots. If the foreigner does not speak Filipino or the local dialect, ask that the settlement be written in English or a language understood by both parties.

Common mistakes in barangay landlord-tenant disputes

1. Thinking the barangay can evict the tenant

The barangay cannot physically remove a tenant just because the landlord is angry or rent is unpaid. Eviction requires proper legal process and, ultimately, court enforcement.

2. Filing directly in court when barangay conciliation is required

If the case falls under the barangay conciliation requirement, skipping the barangay can lead to dismissal or delay. The Supreme Court has treated non-compliance as prematurity or failure to state a cause of action, not lack of court jurisdiction. (Lawphil)

3. Getting the wrong barangay certificate too early

A Certificate to File Action should generally come after the required confrontation and, if needed, pangkat proceedings. A premature certificate can create problems in court.

4. Signing vague settlement terms

Avoid settlement language that cannot be enforced. Put exact amounts, dates, obligations, and consequences.

5. Letting emotions take over

Insults, threats, padlocking, cutting electricity or water, or throwing out belongings can create separate civil or criminal problems. Even a landlord with a valid claim for unpaid rent should avoid self-help remedies.

6. Forgetting rent control

If the unit is a covered residential unit, rent increases, advance rent, deposits, and ejectment grounds may be limited by RA 9653 and current DHSUD/NHSB issuances. For 2026, covered units with monthly rent of ₱10,000 or less occupied by the same tenant are subject to a 1% cap under the current rent-control period. (Philippine Information Agency)

Documents to bring to the barangay

Document	Why it matters
Government ID	Confirms identity and residence
Lease contract	Shows rent, term, deposit, obligations, and renewal rules
Rent receipts or bank/GCash transfers	Proves payment or non-payment
Deposit receipt	Supports refund or deduction dispute
Demand letter	Shows prior demand and timeline
Utility bills	Helps compute unpaid charges
Photos/videos of property condition	Useful for damage, repairs, or unsafe conditions
Screenshots of messages	Shows admissions, reminders, agreements, or refusal
Move-in/move-out checklist	Helps prove condition of unit
Authorization documents	Useful for background, but personal appearance is generally still required

Typical timeline

Stage	Legal timeline or practical estimate
Complaint filed at barangay	Same day, depending on barangay process
Summons to respondent	Law says within the next working day after complaint receipt
Mediation before Punong Barangay	Usually scheduled within days to a few weeks
Mediation period	Up to 15 days from first meeting
Pangkat constitution if mediation fails	After failed mediation
Pangkat proceedings	Generally 15 days from convening, extendible for another period not exceeding 15 days
Certificate to File Action	After proper failure of settlement or non-appearance through no fault of complainant
Court case after failed barangay settlement	Depends on case type, court docket, service of summons, and evidence

In real life, delays often happen because the respondent avoids summons, barangay staff are overloaded, parties request postponements, or the parties arrive without documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a landlord evict a tenant through the barangay?

No. The barangay can mediate and help the parties sign a settlement, but it cannot forcibly evict a tenant. If the tenant refuses to leave, the landlord usually needs to file an ejectment case in court and obtain a judgment that can be enforced by the sheriff.

Do I need a barangay certificate before filing an ejectment case?

Usually yes, if the landlord and tenant are individual persons actually residing in the same city or municipality and no exception applies. The Certificate to File Action shows that barangay conciliation was attempted and failed. If the dispute is excluded, such as when one party is a corporation or the parties reside in different cities or municipalities, barangay conciliation may not be mandatory.

Which barangay should I go to for a rental dispute?

For disputes involving the leased property, go to the barangay where the property or the larger portion of it is located. If the issue is purely personal and both parties live in the same barangay, the barangay of residence may handle it. Barangay staff may still check the residence and venue rules before accepting the complaint.

Can a tenant file at the barangay for return of deposit?

Yes, if the dispute falls within barangay conciliation rules. The tenant should bring the lease contract, proof of deposit, move-out photos, utility payment receipts, and messages asking for the refund. The barangay can help the parties agree on deductions and refund date.

Can lawyers attend barangay conciliation?

Generally, no. Section 415 of RA 7160 requires parties to appear personally without the assistance of counsel or representative, except for minors and incompetents assisted by non-lawyer next-of-kin. A lawyer may advise you outside the barangay proceedings, help prepare documents, or assist later if the case goes to court.

What if the landlord lives abroad?

Barangay conciliation becomes complicated because personal appearance is generally required. If the landlord is abroad and cannot personally attend, the barangay may record the situation, but a representative with a Special Power of Attorney does not automatically satisfy Section 415. The correct next step depends on whether the case is actually within barangay jurisdiction and how the barangay documents non-appearance or impossibility of appearance.

What if the tenant is a foreigner?

Foreigners can be parties to barangay conciliation if they are actual residents and the dispute falls within the lupon’s authority. The foreign tenant should bring identification, lease documents, payment proof, and preferably ask that the proceedings and settlement be in English or another language understood by the parties.

Can the barangay force the landlord to return my deposit?

The barangay can help mediate and record a written settlement. If the landlord agrees in writing to return the deposit and later fails to comply, the settlement may be enforced under the Katarungang Pambarangay rules. But if the landlord refuses to settle, the barangay cannot simply order payment like a court after a full trial. You may need to file the proper court case.

Is non-payment of rent a criminal case?

Non-payment of rent is usually a civil matter, not automatically a criminal case. The landlord’s remedies are typically demand, barangay conciliation if required, collection, and/or ejectment. However, separate criminal issues may arise if there is fraud, threats, malicious mischief, theft, or other acts punishable under criminal law.

Can the landlord cut water or electricity to make the tenant leave?

That is risky and can create legal exposure. A landlord should not use harassment or self-help to force a tenant out. The safer legal route is written demand, barangay conciliation when required, and court action if settlement fails.

Key Takeaways

Many landlord-tenant disputes can be settled at the barangay if the parties are individuals actually residing in the same city or municipality and no exception applies.
The barangay’s role is mediation, conciliation, and documentation—not forced eviction.
If settlement fails, the barangay may issue a Certificate to File Action, often needed before filing in court.
A written barangay settlement can become enforceable like a final court judgment after 10 days, unless properly repudiated or challenged.
Landlords must go to court for ejectment if the tenant refuses to vacate.
Tenants can use the barangay process for deposit refunds, repairs, illegal rent increases, harassment, and move-out disputes.
Bring documents: lease contract, receipts, screenshots, demand letters, utility bills, and photos.
For covered residential units, remember the Rent Control Act rules on rent increases, deposits, and ejectment grounds.