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.
Consumer Guide to Tenant and Landlord Rights
The Bureau of Consumer Protection, the Civil Rights Enforcement Section, and the Impact Litigation Division of the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General offers this Consumer Guide to Tenant and Landlord Rights in Pennsylvania. The Guide provides an overview of the state and federal legal requirements that govern the landlord-tenant relationship, as well as best practices when renting a place to live. The Guide informs you about what to look for when applying to rent and reviewing a lease, what to expect while renting, and what to anticipate when a lease ends.
Illegal Lock-Outs – Know Your Rights
In response to the Coronavirus emergency, many courts are closed and no evictions are being processed at this time. As a result, landlords may attempt to remove tenants illegally for nonpayment of rent or other reasons.
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.
Appealing a Landlord/Tenant Judgment for Possession Pro Se
Information from MidPenn Legal Services on how to file an Appeal to the Court of Common Pleas if the Magisterial District Judge rules against you in a lawsuit filed by your landlord. (June 2011)
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.
Preparing for Your Landlord/Tenant Hearing Before a Magisterial District Judge
Information from MidPenn Legal Services on what to do to prepare for a hearing involving your landlord in Magisterial District Court. [PDF]
Appealing a Landlord/Tenant Judgment for Possession Pro Se
Information from MidPenn Legal Services on how to file an Appeal to the Court of Common Pleas if the Magisterial District Judge rules against you in a lawsuit filed by your landlord. (June 2011)
Hoarding: Know Your Rights
This handbook provides information for people who struggle with hoarding, clutter, and home maintenance problems. The handbook is available in English and Spanish, and in English for the visually impaired. (November 2014)
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 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 Lock-Outs – Know Your Rights
In response to the Coronavirus emergency, many courts are closed and no evictions are being processed at this time. As a result, landlords may attempt to remove tenants illegally for nonpayment of rent or other reasons.
Preparing for Your Landlord/Tenant Hearing Before a Magisterial District Judge
Information from MidPenn Legal Services on what to do to prepare for a hearing involving your landlord in Magisterial District Court. [PDF]
Renters: Is Your Landlord Being Foreclosed?
Information from MidPenn Legal Services on your rights if your landlord is facing foreclosure of the property you are living in. (June 2010)
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.
Renting a House or Apartment
Consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. [PDF] (September 2020)
Consumer Guide to Tenant and Landlord Rights
The Bureau of Consumer Protection, the Civil Rights Enforcement Section, and the Impact Litigation Division of the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General offers this Consumer Guide to Tenant and Landlord Rights in Pennsylvania. The Guide provides an overview of the state and federal legal requirements that govern the landlord-tenant relationship, as well as best practices when renting a place to live. The Guide informs you about what to look for when applying to rent and reviewing a lease, what to expect while renting, and what to anticipate when a lease ends.