Just cause eviction rules in Philadelphia County, PA — sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances — list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Philadelphia County (coterminous with the City of Philadelphia) enforces the Good Cause Eviction ordinance, requiring landlords to cite one of several enumerated grounds before terminating or refusing to renew a residential tenancy under Phila. Code Chapter 9-800.
The Philadelphia Good Cause Eviction Ordinance (Bill No. 180187, codified at Phila. Code 9-802) was enacted in 2018 and expanded under the Emergency Housing Protection Act. Landlords must provide written notice citing one of the statutory good causes: nonpayment of rent, material breach of lease, refusal to renew on similar terms, habitual late payment, illegal activity, owner occupancy, or substantial rehabilitation. Notice periods range from 30 days (less than 1 year tenancy) to 60 days (1 year or more). The Philadelphia Fair Housing Commission and Eviction Diversion Program (mandatory pre-filing mediation under Phila. Code 9-811) administer enforcement. Tenants facing eviction may access the Right to Counsel program (Phila. Code 9-809) in designated zip codes. Pennsylvania Landlord-Tenant Act of 1951 (68 P.S. 250.501) otherwise permits at-will termination with 30-day notice, but Philadelphia home rule authority imposes stricter protections.
Illegal eviction without good cause: tenant may seek reinstatement, actual damages, and attorney fees. Retaliatory eviction: treble damages under Phila. Code 9-804. Self-help eviction (lockout, utility shutoff): criminal and civil penalties up to $2,000 per day.
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