Over $1.1 billion worth of residential real estate in Philadelphia exists under “tangled titles,” or instances where the deed of a property does not reflect its apparent owner, putting at risk the family wealth of those affected. The legal remedies to the issue tend to be fairly straightforward, but the cost of obtaining the necessary help can stand in the way of resolving the issue.

According to a new report from the Pew Charitable Trusts, “How ‘Tangled Titles’ Affect Philadelphia,” at least 10,407 of the city’s 509,258 residential properties (or 2%), exist under tangled titles. The problem most dramatically affects lower-income and predominantly Black neighborhoods, and remedying a simple case can cost an average of $9,200.