Haverford, PA Rental Inspections: Tenant Complaint Process (2026)

Section 104-7 of the Haverford Township Housing Code is the enforcement path once a housing problem reaches Code Enforcement. The Board of Commissioners directs the Director of Code Enforcement and deputies to enforce Chapter 104, Article I.

Inspection comes first. An inspector who displays identification and official authorization for a specifically identified unit can enter, examine and survey the unit and premises on weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Other times are allowed in an emergency or by mutual agreement between the occupant and the Director. Occupants must also give the owner or the owner's agents free access at reasonable times to make repairs needed for compliance.

If the Director finds a violation, he serves written notice on the owner, agent or occupant. The notice must be in writing, state the reasons it was issued, allow a reasonable time to act, and be served personally, by registered or certified mail to the last known address, or by another method Pennsylvania law authorizes. It can include an outline of remedial steps.

Appeal runs through the Director. A person affected files a written petition with the grounds within 14 days after service. The hearing starts no later than 10 days after the petition is filed, unless the petitioner shows reason for a longer postponement. The Director can sustain, modify or withdraw the notice, the proceeding is summarized in writing and becomes public record, and an aggrieved person can seek relief in any court of competent jurisdiction. A notice with no petition automatically becomes an order.

Other tools sit in the same section: a variance from the Director on written application when undue hardship would result, immediate emergency orders for health or safety hazards, designation of a dwelling as unfit for human habitation, and abatement at Township expense with the cost charged to the violator and collected by lien.