This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about issues relating to Eviction in Pennsylvania.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Eviction Process in Pennsylvania
The Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania provides information on the eviction process. An eviction is a legal action started by the owner of a property to force a tenant to move out of the property. Topics discussed include: Eviction; Notice to Quit; Court Hearing; Judgement; Order for Possession; Appeal Process; and Eviction Notice Timetables.
Eviction Process in Pennsylvania (Video)
Video from the Allegheny County Department of Human Services explaining the eviction process in Pennsylvania.
Illegal Lockouts (Video)
This video from Neighborhood Legal Services Association explains tenants' rights under the law in Pennsylvania that offer protection against self-help evictions when the landlord changes the locks or renders the property unusable without following the property eviction procedures. October 22, 2010.
Landlord Tenant Handbook
Detailed information about renting a residence from a landlord from North Penn Legal Services (NPLS). Fair housing (housing discrimination) information is included throughout the entire handbook. There is a Lehigh Valley Edition and a Northeast PA Edition. NPLS revised the Landlord-Tenant Handbook in December 2019.
Responding to Illegal "Self-Help" Evictions
There are several types of Residential Property Crimes that take place in Philadelphia. In every case, vulnerable citizens are victimized. However, sometimes it can be difficult to determine who the parties are and what is taking place. This video will go over how to identify and respond to an illegal “self-help” eviction.
Security Deposits
Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on tenants' rights relating to security deposits.
Tenant and Landlord Relationships (Audio-MP3)
This is an episode of Northwestern Legal Services' "Access to Justice" Radio show broadcast on JET 1400 AM in Erie, PA on 7/12/07. Consumer Protection Law in Pennsylvania and Landlord/Tenant Relationships are discussed by NWLS Attorneys John Gandrud & David Hull in this episode. (28:15)
What is Preliminary Injunctive Relief (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, explains what preliminary injunctive relief is and when you may be able to obtain a preliminary injunction when your landlord is trying to evict you. It contains specific instructions for the counties served by the former Laurel Legal Services, Inc., including Armstrong, Cambria, Clarion, Indiana, Jefferson, and Westmoreland Counties. These counties are now served by Summit Legal Aid. Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
Landlord Tenant Overview and Notice Requirements
Information from Northwestern Legal Services providing an overview of landlord tenant law and notice requirements.
Defending an Action at the District Justice Office
Informational brochure from MidPenn Legal Services outlining the procedure in defending an action at district justice court in central Pennsylvania.
Filing an Appeal of an Eviction (Video)
This video from Neighborhood Legal Services Association outlines the steps that you need to take in order to file an appeal of an eviction decision from the Magisterial District Court to the Court of Common Pleas in Pennsylvania. Specific instructions are given for cases in counties served by Neighborhood Legal Services Association. September 15, 2011
How to File a Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, provides an explanation of what In Forma Pauperis is (a request to file legal papers without having to pay the filing fee because you cannot afford to pay the fees) and line-by-line instructions on completing a petition to request permission to proceed without paying filing fees. (2020) Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
How to Prepare for Landlord-Tenant Court if You are Facing Eviction (Video)
Video from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, in conjunction with the Philadelphia Eviction Prevention Project, providing a description of your rights when being evicted and about how the eviction process works. Specific information is included about the eviction process that is followed in Philadelphia, along with some resources for people facing eviction in Philadelphia.
Magisterial District Judge Court - Filing Suit
This information from Northwestern Legal Services provides instructions on how to file a lawsuit in Magisterial District Judge Court.
Right to Legal Counsel in Philadelphia Evictions
Some renters in Philadelphia now have the right to a free attorney in their eviction hearings, or a Right to Counsel, a new program from the City. If you’re low-income and live in ZIP codes 19121 or 19139, you can get a FREE LAWYER to represent you in your eviction or housing subsidy termination hearing! Learn more in this video from Community Legal Services.
Tenants' Rights - Going to Court
Northwestern Legal Services provides general information for tenants regarding district justice court hearings.
The District Justice Hearing: North Penn Legal Services Landlord - Tenant Video Workshop
This video workshop from North Penn Legal Services features a typical hearing before a magisterial district Judge in a landlord-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.
How to File a Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, provides an explanation of what In Forma Pauperis is (a request to file legal papers without having to pay the filing fee because you cannot afford to pay the fees) and line-by-line instructions on completing a petition to request permission to proceed without paying filing fees. (2020) Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
How to File a Show Cause Order in Cambria and Indiana Counties (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, shows how residents of Cambria and Indiana Counties can file a show cause order when a landlord shuts off your utilities to try and evict you. Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
Defending an Action at the District Justice Office
Informational brochure from MidPenn Legal Services outlining the procedure in defending an action at district justice court in central Pennsylvania.
Defending An Action in Magisterial District Judge Court
Questions and Answers about defending an action in Magisterial District Court. (2018)
Filing an Appeal of an Eviction (Video)
This video from Neighborhood Legal Services Association outlines the steps that you need to take in order to file an appeal of an eviction decision from the Magisterial District Court to the Court of Common Pleas in Pennsylvania. Specific instructions are given for cases in counties served by Neighborhood Legal Services Association. September 15, 2011
Housing Rights for Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence in Philadelphia County
Flyer describing the housing rights of victims of domestic and sexual violence under local Philadelphia law.
How to File a Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, provides an explanation of what In Forma Pauperis is (a request to file legal papers without having to pay the filing fee because you cannot afford to pay the fees) and line-by-line instructions on completing a petition to request permission to proceed without paying filing fees. (2020) Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
How to File a Show Cause Order in Cambria and Indiana Counties (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, shows how residents of Cambria and Indiana Counties can file a show cause order when a landlord shuts off your utilities to try and evict you. Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
How to Prepare for Landlord-Tenant Court if You are Facing Eviction (Video)
Video from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, in conjunction with the Philadelphia Eviction Prevention Project, providing a description of your rights when being evicted and about how the eviction process works. Specific information is included about the eviction process that is followed in Philadelphia, along with some resources for people facing eviction in Philadelphia.
Illegal Lockouts (Video)
This video from Neighborhood Legal Services Association explains tenants' rights under the law in Pennsylvania that offer protection against self-help evictions when the landlord changes the locks or renders the property unusable without following the property eviction procedures. October 22, 2010.
Landlord Tenant Handbook
Detailed information about renting a residence from a landlord from North Penn Legal Services (NPLS). Fair housing (housing discrimination) information is included throughout the entire handbook. There is a Lehigh Valley Edition and a Northeast PA Edition. NPLS revised the Landlord-Tenant Handbook in December 2019.
Landlord Tenant Overview and Notice Requirements
Information from Northwestern Legal Services providing an overview of landlord tenant law and notice requirements.
Left Behind Items? How to Get Back Your Belongings After Being Evicted or Moving Out
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services about your rights regarding property that is left behind after you are evicted or move out of a rental property.
Magisterial District Judge Court - Defense
This informational packet from Northwestern Legal Services provides information when defending an action filed with the Magisterial District Judge Court.
Magisterial District Judge Court - Filing Suit
This information from Northwestern Legal Services provides instructions on how to file a lawsuit in Magisterial District Judge Court.
Responding to Illegal "Self-Help" Evictions
There are several types of Residential Property Crimes that take place in Philadelphia. In every case, vulnerable citizens are victimized. However, sometimes it can be difficult to determine who the parties are and what is taking place. This video will go over how to identify and respond to an illegal “self-help” eviction.
Right to Legal Counsel in Philadelphia Evictions
Some renters in Philadelphia now have the right to a free attorney in their eviction hearings, or a Right to Counsel, a new program from the City. If you’re low-income and live in ZIP codes 19121 or 19139, you can get a FREE LAWYER to represent you in your eviction or housing subsidy termination hearing! Learn more in this video from Community Legal Services.
Security Deposits
Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on tenants' rights relating to security deposits.
Tenant and Landlord Relationships (Audio-MP3)
This is an episode of Northwestern Legal Services' "Access to Justice" Radio show broadcast on JET 1400 AM in Erie, PA on 7/12/07. Consumer Protection Law in Pennsylvania and Landlord/Tenant Relationships are discussed by NWLS Attorneys John Gandrud & David Hull in this episode. (28:15)
Tenants' Rights - Going to Court
Northwestern Legal Services provides general information for tenants regarding district justice court hearings.
Tenants' Rights in Boarding Houses, Hotels and Motels
Information from MidPenn Legal Services about the rights of people who are living in boarding houses, hotels and motels. A person residing in one of these places may be considered to be a ""tenant" under certain circumstances giving them greater rights under the law.
The District Justice Hearing: North Penn Legal Services Landlord - Tenant Video Workshop
This video workshop from North Penn Legal Services features a typical hearing before a magisterial district Judge in a landlord-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.
What is Preliminary Injunctive Relief (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, explains what preliminary injunctive relief is and when you may be able to obtain a preliminary injunction when your landlord is trying to evict you. It contains specific instructions for the counties served by the former Laurel Legal Services, Inc., including Armstrong, Cambria, Clarion, Indiana, Jefferson, and Westmoreland Counties. These counties are now served by Summit Legal Aid. Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
Eviction Process in Pennsylvania (Video)
Video from the Allegheny County Department of Human Services explaining the eviction process in Pennsylvania.
Eviction Process in Pennsylvania
The Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania provides information on the eviction process. An eviction is a legal action started by the owner of a property to force a tenant to move out of the property. Topics discussed include: Eviction; Notice to Quit; Court Hearing; Judgement; Order for Possession; Appeal Process; and Eviction Notice Timetables.
How to File a Show Cause Order in Cambria and Indiana Counties (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, shows how residents of Cambria and Indiana Counties can file a show cause order when a landlord shuts off your utilities to try and evict you. Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
How to File a Show Cause Order in Cambria and Indiana Counties (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, shows how residents of Cambria and Indiana Counties can file a show cause order when a landlord shuts off your utilities to try and evict you. Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
Right to Legal Counsel in Philadelphia Evictions
Some renters in Philadelphia now have the right to a free attorney in their eviction hearings, or a Right to Counsel, a new program from the City. If you’re low-income and live in ZIP codes 19121 or 19139, you can get a FREE LAWYER to represent you in your eviction or housing subsidy termination hearing! Learn more in this video from Community Legal Services.