Click on other tabs above for information about legal aid providers and courts in your area. Below is legal information on this sub-topic. You can localize this information by clicking on the"Choose Another Location" link in the right column and selecting the area where you live.
Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network
Unlawful Lockouts in Philadelphia County, PA
(Separate Website)
Informaiton on how to deal with a lockout by your landlord in Philadelphia County.
By: Community Legal Services
Landlord Tenant Packet [PDF] This is a comprehensive (31 pages) self-help packet designed to assist Central Pennsylvania tenants deal with various landlord/tenant problems. PDF Format
By: MidPenn Legal Services
Mobile Home Park Tenant Rights
Informational brochure on mobile home park rights, including eviction procedures, reasonable park rules and regulations, requirements relating to rent and fees.
By: Northwestern Legal Services
Utility Service for Tenants (Video)
This video from Neighborhood Legal Services Association explains what a tenant should do when a landlord fails to pay the utility bill and the service is going to be shut off.
By: Neighborhood Legal Services Association
Utility Service Tenants Rights Act
Information for tenants regarding utility service your rights under the Tenants Rights Act.
By: Northwestern Legal Services
North Penn Legal Services Landlord - Tenant Video Workshop: The District Justice Hearing
This video workshop from North Penn Legal Services features a typical hearing before a magisterial distirct Judge in a landord - tenant case, followed by a panel discussion featuring several judges describing some best practices for you to use at your hearing, as well as some things to avoid. The process in the video is typical of any civil case brought before a magisterial district judge in Pennsylvania.
By: North Penn Legal Services
Defending an Action at the District Justice Office
Informational brochure which outlines the procedure in defending an action at district justice court in central Pennsylvania.
By: MidPenn Legal Services
Magisterial District Judge Court - Defense
This informational packet provides information when defending an action filed with the Magisterial District Judge Court.
By: Northwestern Legal Services
Other Formats:
PDF File
How to Sue At the Office of the Magisterial District Judge
How to file suit on small claims in your local Office of the Magisterial District Judge.
By: MidPenn Legal Services
Magisterial District Judge Court - Filing Suit
This informational packet provides information on how to file a lawsuit in Magiserial District Judge Court.
By: Northwestern Legal Services
Other Formats:
PDF File
Information from Bar Associations and Other Legal Organizations
Renting a Home
(Separate Website)
Consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association.
By: Pennsylvania Bar Association
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Residential Tenant Rights
(Separate Website)
Information on rights of tenants from the Erie County Bar Association.
By: Erie County Bar Association
Frequently Asked Questions - Landlord Tenant Relations
(Separate Website)
Answers to common questions about landlord tenant relations.
By: Allegheny County Bar Association
What is the Landlord-Tenant Act?
(Separate Website)
Information on tenant rights from the Allegheny County Bar Association.
By: Allegheny County Bar Association
Should I have a lease?
(Separate Website)
Information on leases from Allegheny County Bar Association.
By: Allegheny County Bar Association
Can I move before the lease expires?
(Separate Website)
Information on leases from the Allegheny County Bar Association.
By: Allegheny County Bar Association
Can the landlord raise the rent?
(Separate Website)
Information on leases from the Allegheny County Bar Association.
By: Allegheny County Bar Association
When can the landlord enter the property?
(Separate Website)
Information on tenant rights from the Allegheny County Bar Association.
By: Allegheny County Bar Association
Small Claims Court
(Separate Website)
Information on filing a small claim in Magisterial District Court.
By: Erie County Bar Association
Defending a Lawsuit
(Separate Website)
Information on how to defend a lawsuit.
By: Erie County Bar Association
Starting a Lawsuit
(Separate Website)
Information about filing a lawsuit.
By: Erie County Bar Association
Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951
(Separate Website)
Text of the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 from the Attorney General of Pennsylvania.
By: Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
Renting a Home or Apartment: Leases and Security Deposits
(Separate Website)
Information on leases and security deposits from the Office of the Attorney General
By: Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
Attention Renters: Are You Protected?
(Separate Website)
Information about Renter's Insurance in Pennsylvania.
By: Pennsylvania Insurance Department
Rights and Responsibilities of Tenants Living in Federal Housing [PDF]
(Separate Website)
A brochure for tenants living in federal housing. (PDF format, 7 Pages)
By: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Relocation Assistance to Tenants Displaced From Their Homes [PDF]
(Separate Website)
This booklet describes the relocation payments and other relocation assistance available to tenants displaced from their homes as a direct result of rehabilitation, demolition or acquisition for a project in which Federal funds are used.
By: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control
(Separate Website)
Information on lead-based paint hazards.
By: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
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