Just cause eviction rules in Philadelphia, PA — sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances — list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Philadelphia has good cause eviction protections. Landlords must provide at least 30 days' written notice with good cause reasons to terminate or not renew a lease. If no proper notice is given, the lease automatically renews month to month. Unfair rental practices are prohibited under §9-804, including retaliatory evictions within 6 months of a tenant complaint.
Philadelphia follows state eviction procedures. Landlords must provide proper written notice before filing eviction actions. For month-to-month tenancies, typically 30 to 60 days notice is required for no-cause termination. Fixed-term leases end on their termination date. Eviction for cause (non-payment, lease violation) follows faster timelines. Retaliatory and discriminatory evictions are prohibited under state and federal law. Self-help evictions such as changing locks or shutting off utilities are illegal.
Illegal self-help eviction: tenant damages and penalties. Retaliatory eviction: prohibited, tenant may counterclaim. Improper notice: eviction case dismissed.
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