Pennsylvania Eviction Laws
Pennsylvania requires at least a 10-day notice to quit before filing an eviction action in magisterial district court.
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Key Rules
- Nonpayment Notice
- 10 days notice to quit (15 days if tenancy is more than 1 year)
- Just Cause Required
- No statewide requirement; yes in Philadelphia under local ordinance
- Periodic Tenancy Notice
- 15 days notice for month-to-month tenancy (more than 1 year); 30 days notice is common practice
- Rent Control
- No statewide rent control; Philadelphia has some local stabilization measures
- Philadelphia Note
- Philadelphia requires landlord rental licenses and has stronger tenant protections including eviction diversion programs
Applicable Statutes
Notice to quit: landlord must give at least 10 days written notice to quit for nonpayment of rent or lease violations (15 days for tenancies of more than 1 year).
Writ of possession: eviction proceeds through magisterial district court (landlord-tenant court). Landlord must obtain a judgment and writ before removing a tenant.
Philadelphia Good Cause Eviction: requires just cause to evict residential tenants in Philadelphia. Philadelphia also requires landlord registration and rental licenses.
Legal Aid Resources
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Not Legal Advice. This site provides general educational information only — not legal counsel. Laws vary by location. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.