Pennsylvania Property Blight (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: Act 135 of 2008
Citation: 68 P.S. Sec. 1101
Vacancy required: 12 months
Petitioner radius: 2,000 feet

Full Breakdown

Pennsylvania's Abandoned and Blighted Property Conservatorship Act (Act 135 of 2008, 68 P.S. Sec. 1101 et seq.) creates a statewide framework allowing parties in interest, including neighbors within 2,000 feet and nonprofit corporations, to petition the Court of Common Pleas to appoint a conservator over blighted, vacant residential or non-residential property. The court must find the property has been vacant 12 months, is dangerous, and the owner has failed to maintain it. Conservators can rehabilitate, lease, sell, or take title with priority over existing liens.

Violations & Penalties

Owners losing conservatorship cases pay rehabilitation costs and may forfeit title. Failure to act on court orders results in conservator sale and lien priority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can neighbors fix a blighted Pennsylvania property?

Yes. Under Act 135, neighbors within 2,000 feet may petition the court to appoint a conservator who can rehabilitate or sell a vacant blighted property.

What qualifies a property as blighted in Pennsylvania?

The property must be vacant 12+ months, fail to comply with codes, and pose a safety threat. The court evaluates conditions before appointing a conservator.

Pennsylvania Blighted Property Conservatorship Act Statewide

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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