All About Pennsylvania’s Eviction Laws

In Pennsylvania, a tenant can be evicted if they do not keep or maintain their rental agreement with the landlord. also require that the landlord give the tenant a notice that states a specific amount of time the tenant will have before they are officially evicted.

What are the reasons an eviction notice is served, and what is the eviction process? Read DoNotPay's guide to learn more about Pennsylvania's eviction laws.

Eviction Laws in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania initiated an act for how landlords and tenants should conduct renting properties with each other, .

Pennsylvania is more landlord-friendly concerning rental agreements. When a landlord and a tenant make a rental agreement, it is required in Pennsylvania that the names of the landlord's and prospective tenant(s)' full names be on the lease.

Each city and town has more specific information as to what needs to be included in a rental agreement. Generally, leases should include:

The terms of the lease
A description of the rental space
Conditions of occupancy
A description of the leasing premise
The party responsible for paying utilities
The specified amount of rent
The date rent is due
Any pet allowances
The tenant's responsibilities
Painting options, if any

The more information agreed upon before a prospective tenant moves in, the less likely a dispute will occur.

Reasons for Evictions in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, there are three reasons which allow a landlord to evict a tenant. They are as follows:

The Tenant Broke an Agreement Within the Lease	If the tenant has breached a provision within the lease agreement, the landlord has the option to evict the tenant.
The Tenant Hasn’t Moved Out After the Rental Lease Has Expired	If the lease has expired, the landlord may offer the tenant to renew the rental agreement. However, if the tenant refuses to update or continue the rental agreement, the landlord is allowed to have the tenant evicted.
The Tenant Is Behind in Rent	If the tenant is behind in rent and hasn't made an agreement with the landlord, the landlord has the option to evict the tenant.

A tenant can only be evicted for these three reasons above.

What Is the Process for Eviction in Pennsylvania?

The eviction process in Pennsylvania starts with the landlord giving the tenant a written notice of eviction. They must hand-deliver the note or post it on the door or post of the rental property. Mailing an eviction notice is prohibited. The eviction notice must include the following two pieces of information:

The reason for eviction
The date a tenant needs to leave by

Depending on the circumstances surrounding the eviction; the notice must be given within a certain amount of time. The following is the amount of time a tenant must be given from receiving the notice to the time they need to be out of the residence:

The Lease Term Has Ended, or the Tenant Has Breached the Contract:

If the rental lease was for less than one year, the landlord must give the tenant a 30-day notice.
If the rental lease was for more than one year, the landlord must give the tenant a 90-day notice.

The Tenant Is Behind in Rent Payments:

From April 1st - September 1st: The tenant is to be given a 15-day notice.
From September 1st - April 1st: The tenant is to be given a 30-day notice.

As soon as the landlord has given the tenant written notice, the landlord must file an official complaint at their district's justice office. After the complaint is filed, a hearing date will be set in which to see if the landlord can legally reclaim the property.

The tenant has the right to defend themselves in proving they were not in breach of contract. Or, if the eviction was based on being behind in payments, the tenant can make a payment, which will stop the eviction proceedings. The tenant can also bring proof to the hearing if they believe that the eviction was in retaliation against the tenant.

Fighting a wrongful eviction in Pennsylvania may seem intimidating. It also requires extra time in getting evidence and information gathered together to provide a strong defense case against a landlord. What if there was a way in which to get the appropriate information out in a quick and efficient manner? That is where DoNotPay comes in.

How to Fight a Wrongful Eviction in Pennsylvania With the Help of DoNotPay

DoNotPay is the perfect solution for fighting wrongful evictions and more. DoNotPay can also help you with other renting issues, such as roommates and repairs.

If you want to break a lease in PA but don't know where to start, DoNotPay has you covered in four easy steps:

Search for and open the Landlord Protection product on DoNotPay.
Select which issue applies to you.
Answer a simple set of questions so our chatbot can collect the necessary information to create your demand letter.
Choose whether you want DoNotPay to send the demand letter to your landlord or roommate on your behalf. If you already tried sending a demand letter and it didn't work, we can help you start the small claims court process.

And that's it. You should hear back from your landlord directly once your demands are sent.

DoNotPay Works Across Multiple Landlord-Tenant Areas

DoNotPay provides the best solution for fighting eviction in Pennsylvania. It can help you get the eviction protection you need in a fast, easy, and successful way. Try DoNotPay today and see the difference it can make.

DoNotPay can also help you in other landlord-tenant areas; to learn more, check out the following list:

Try DoNotPay today!