Just Cause Eviction: Penn Hills vs Pittsburgh
How do just cause eviction rules compare between Penn Hills, PA and Pittsburgh, PA?
Penn Hills and Pittsburgh have similar restriction levels.
Penn Hills, PA
Allegheny County
Allegheny County has no just-cause eviction ordinance. Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 (68 P.S. 250.501) governs evictions countywide, allowing termination at lease expiration without cause with proper notice. Pittsburgh enacted a local just-cause rule but a court struck it down in 2022.
View full Penn Hills rules →Pittsburgh, PA
Allegheny County
Pittsburgh does not have a just cause eviction ordinance. Pennsylvania landlord-tenant law allows landlords to terminate tenancies for various reasons including non-payment and lease violations. Month-to-month tenancies may be terminated with proper notice without stating a specific cause. Evictions must follow Pennsylvania's judicial process through the local magistrate court.
View full Pittsburgh rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Penn Hills | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Just Cause Required | No - state preempts | No — not required in PA |
| State Law | 68 P.S. 250.501 | PA Landlord and Tenant Act |
| Notice (under 1 yr) | 15 days | - |
| Notice (1+ yr) | 30 days | - |
| Nonpayment Notice | 10 days | - |
| Notice Period | - | 15-30 days depending on tenancy type |
| Eviction Process | - | Through local magistrate court |
| Self-Help | - | Illegal — must use judicial process |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Penn Hills FAQ
Who enforces this in Allegheny County?
Allegheny County at (412) 350-4636 handles most complaints.
Who enforces this in Allegheny County?
Allegheny County at (412) 350-4636 handles most complaints.
Pittsburgh FAQ
Can a landlord evict me without cause in Pittsburgh?
Pennsylvania does not require just cause for eviction. Month-to-month tenancies can be terminated with proper notice. However, the formal judicial eviction process must be followed.
How does the eviction process work in Pittsburgh?
Landlords must file an eviction action through the local magistrate court. Self-help evictions such as changing locks or removing belongings are illegal.
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