Pennsylvania Statewide Rule
Pennsylvania Eviction Procedures Landlord Tenant Act Statewide
Key Facts
- Statute
- 68 P.S. 250.501
- Nonpayment Notice
- 10 days
- End-of-Lease Notice
- 15 or 30 days
- Self-Help Eviction
- Prohibited
Summary
Pennsylvania Landlord-Tenant Act establishes uniform eviction notice and procedure requirements applicable statewide, governing all residential tenancy terminations universally.
A landlord desirous of repossessing real property from a tenant except real property which is a mobile home space as defined in the act of November 24, 1976 (P.L.1176, No.261), known as the "Mobile Home Park Rights Act," may notify, in writing, the tenant to remove from the same at the expiration of the time specified in the notice under the following circumstances, namely,
Full Breakdown
The Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 (68 P.S. 250.501) requires written notice before eviction: 10 days for nonpayment, 15 days for term-of-one-year-or-less leases, and 30 days for longer leases. Landlords must file at the magisterial district court. Pennsylvania does not require just cause for nonrenewal of expired leases. Statewide procedure preempts conflicting local notice rules, though municipalities may add tenant protections.
Violations & Penalties
Self-help evictions or lockouts violate 68 P.S. 250.501 and expose landlords to wrongful eviction damages, possible treble damages, attorney fees, and tenant restoration orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pennsylvania require just cause for eviction?
Can a landlord change locks to evict?
Sources
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