Tenants Rights

Legal Information

Other Housing Problems

Rental unit.

This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about issues relating to Tenants Rights
in Pennsylvania.

Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.

A Tenant's Guide to Renting

This handbook from Neighborhood Legal Services Association is designed to address some common problems that you may face as a tenant. It addresses a number issues including Searching for a rental unit; Reviewing and signing your lease; Moving into your new rental unit; Living in your rental unit; and Moving out. [PDF] (2010)

Becoming a Responsible Renter (Video)

Video from the Allegheny County Department of Human Service on steps you can take to become a responsible renter. (2019)

Can my landlord increase my rent?

Information from PhillyTenant.org on rental increases and your rights in Philadelphia County.

Common Landlord-Tenant Myths (Video)

This video, Common Landlord-Tenant Myths, provides information on most of the problems arising during the tenancy, including written versus oral leases, eviction notices, illegal self-help evictions, security deposits, and warranty of habitability.

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 Lockouts in Philadelphia County

Flyer on illegal lockouts and the legal eviction process in Philadelphia County. (June 2016)

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.

Know Your Rights as a Renter in Pennsylvania

This website from the Home Equality Center of Pennsylvania will help to guide you through a successful renting experience by providing general information and self-help resources regarding state and federal Fair Housing laws and Pennsylvania Landlord Tenant Law as it pertains to the rental of private residential property.

Landlord’s Interference With a Tenant’s Right to Utility Service

Information from MidPenn Legal Services on a Tenant's rights regarding utility service in a rented residence. [PDF] (June 2011)

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.

PA Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program supports homeowners and renters across Pennsylvania. This program provides a rebate ranging from $380 to $1,000 to eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older. This webpage from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue explains who is eligible for the rebate program and how to apply.

Philadelphia Eviction Diversion Program

The City of Philadelphia offers a FREE Eviction Diversion Program (EDP). The Program provides resources for landlords and tenants in residential rental properties to resolve issues while avoiding a costly or drawn-out court process. Per City Ordinance # 220655, landlord good faith participation in EDP is required before seeking a legal eviction through court. Resources may include mediation and funding that covers tenant’s rent arrears.

Repairs to a Rental Unit - Landlord's Duty To Make Repairs

Information from Neighborhood Legal Services on a landlord's duty to repair rental property.

Security Deposits

Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on tenants' rights relating to security deposits.

Security Deposits (Video)

Many tenants do not receive their security deposits back from the landlords when they move out of the property. Find out what type of notice you need to give your landlord and what to do if your landlord does not give your deposit back.

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)

Tenant Background Checks and Your Rights

This resource, compiled jointly by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Housing & Urban Development, and the Department of Justice explains what a tenant background check is, how consumers can dispute errors, and what rights consumers have under the law. Understanding this process can help you protect yourself and take action if you are denied rental housing or face other housing challenges because of errors in your tenant screening report

Tenant Landlord Digital Assistant (T/LDA) [Philadelphia Municipal Court - ONLY]

T/LDA (pronounced "Tilda") is a digital guide dog to walk you through a Landlord-Tenant case for non-payment of rent in the Philadelphia Municipal Court, one step at a time. How T/LDA can help: 1. T/LDA will ask you questions about your situation; 2. T/LDA will give you information about the court process and your options based on your answers; 3. T/LDA will direct you to other resources that can help. PLEASE NOTE: T/LDA is not a person or a lawyer and T/LDA does not give legal advice.

Tenants! Being Evicted?

Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on the rights of tenants who are being evicted.

Tenants Rights

This link will direct you to Summit Legal Aid, formerly Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid. It offers information on the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. 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.

Tenants Rights and Protections Against Utility Shut-Offs (Video)

The information in this video discussing tenants' rights and protections against utility shutoffs was developed using materials produced by The Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP).

The Right of Quiet Enjoyment

Pennsylvania law says that every lease (whether verbal and written) contains a promise that the landlord will not unreasonably interfere with your right to possess the leased premises. This information from Neighborhood Legal Services explains a tenant's right to quiet enjoyment.

What To Know BEFORE You Rent (Video)

This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, offers information for people who are planning to rent a home or apartment. It includes an explanation of what a lease agreement generally covers and some common issues related to renting. 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.

You Have a Record . . . What Are Your Rights?

This resource from MyCleanSlate.com provides information on the rights of individuals who have criminal records. Included are employment rights; housing rights; and your right to a higher education.

Notice to Vacate - What Kind of Notice to Vacate Is Required for Residential Leases under Pennsylvania Law?

How long do you have to move when you are being evicted? Information from Neighborhood Legal Services Association on notice requirements in 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)

Defending a Lawsuit

Information on how to defend a lawsuit provided by the Erie County Bar Association.

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 in Philadelphia County

Flyer on illegal lockouts and the legal eviction process in Philadelphia County. (June 2016)

Tenants' Rights - Going to Court

Northwestern Legal Services provides general information for tenants regarding district justice court hearings.

Carbon Self Service Center - Forms

Download forms and information from the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas

Tenant Landlord Digital Assistant (T/LDA) [Philadelphia Municipal Court - ONLY]

T/LDA (pronounced "Tilda") is a digital guide dog to walk you through a Landlord-Tenant case for non-payment of rent in the Philadelphia Municipal Court, one step at a time. How T/LDA can help: 1. T/LDA will ask you questions about your situation; 2. T/LDA will give you information about the court process and your options based on your answers; 3. T/LDA will direct you to other resources that can help. PLEASE NOTE: T/LDA is not a person or a lawyer and T/LDA does not give legal advice.

PAHousingSearch.com

This is a free resource from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and other Commonwealth partners to help you find a home that fits your needs and budget. Property providers can list available apartments or homes at any time, which means the listings are current. The web site lets you define what you want in your next living space, and then it does all the research – presenting you with the relevant housing vacancies that best fit your parameters in the community where you want to live.

Defending a Lawsuit

Information on how to defend a lawsuit provided by the Erie County Bar Association.

Residential Tenant Rights

Information on rights of tenants from the Erie County Bar Association. (August 2018)

Starting a Lawsuit

Information from the Erie County Bar Association about filing a lawsuit. (February 2018)

What To Do If You Are Arrested

Information concerning what to do when arrested.

Attention Renters: Are You Protected?

Information from the Pennsylvania Insurance Department about Renter's Insurance in Pennsylvania. (August 2014)

Becoming a Responsible Renter (Video)

Video from the Allegheny County Department of Human Service on steps you can take to become a responsible renter. (2019)

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.

Housing & Shelter - Housing Navigator Unit (Allegheny County)

This website from the Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) allows you to search for a safe place to sleep, get help finding housing or staying in your home. The DHS Housing Navigator Unit was established in 2018 to help homeless persons served by DHS find and maintain safe, affordable housing in the private market. The Housing Navigator Unit works toward this goal by recruiting and supporting landlords in the private market who rent to DHS tenants. The unit also works with the agencies charged with providing support services to the tenants. This public/private partnership aims to speed up access to private rental properties, improve communication and trust, resolve concerns and complaints, and increase accountability among all parties - the landlords, the service providers and the tenants.

Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (OLHCHH)

The Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (OLHCHH) provides funds to state and local governments to develop cost-effective ways to reduce lead-based paint hazards. In addition, the office enforces HUD's lead-based paint regulations, provides public outreach and technical assistance and conducts technical studies to help protect children and their families from health and safety hazards in the home.

PAHousingSearch.com

This is a free resource from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and other Commonwealth partners to help you find a home that fits your needs and budget. Property providers can list available apartments or homes at any time, which means the listings are current. The web site lets you define what you want in your next living space, and then it does all the research – presenting you with the relevant housing vacancies that best fit your parameters in the community where you want to live.

PA Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program supports homeowners and renters across Pennsylvania. This program provides a rebate ranging from $380 to $1,000 to eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older. This webpage from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue explains who is eligible for the rebate program and how to apply.

Philadelphia Eviction Diversion Program

The City of Philadelphia offers a FREE Eviction Diversion Program (EDP). The Program provides resources for landlords and tenants in residential rental properties to resolve issues while avoiding a costly or drawn-out court process. Per City Ordinance # 220655, landlord good faith participation in EDP is required before seeking a legal eviction through court. Resources may include mediation and funding that covers tenant’s rent arrears.

Relocation Assistance to Tenants Displaced From Their Homes

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. [PDF]

Resident Rights and Responsibilities

A brochure for tenants living in federal housing from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This brochure does not apply to the Public Housing Program, the Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation Program (except for multifamily housing projects that are insured by HUD), and the Housing Choice Voucher Program (except when a voucher is used in a multifamily housing project with a HUD-insured mortgage). (PDF)

Tenant Background Checks and Your Rights

This resource, compiled jointly by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Housing & Urban Development, and the Department of Justice explains what a tenant background check is, how consumers can dispute errors, and what rights consumers have under the law. Understanding this process can help you protect yourself and take action if you are denied rental housing or face other housing challenges because of errors in your tenant screening report

Tenant Landlord Digital Assistant (T/LDA) [Philadelphia Municipal Court - ONLY]

T/LDA (pronounced "Tilda") is a digital guide dog to walk you through a Landlord-Tenant case for non-payment of rent in the Philadelphia Municipal Court, one step at a time. How T/LDA can help: 1. T/LDA will ask you questions about your situation; 2. T/LDA will give you information about the court process and your options based on your answers; 3. T/LDA will direct you to other resources that can help. PLEASE NOTE: T/LDA is not a person or a lawyer and T/LDA does not give legal advice.

What should I do if the house or apartment I’m renting goes into foreclosure?

Information from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on what to do if your landlord defaults on the mortgage to your residence and it goes into foreclosure.

Can my landlord increase my rent?

Information from PhillyTenant.org on rental increases and your rights in Philadelphia County.

Know Your Rights as a Renter in Pennsylvania

This website from the Home Equality Center of Pennsylvania will help to guide you through a successful renting experience by providing general information and self-help resources regarding state and federal Fair Housing laws and Pennsylvania Landlord Tenant Law as it pertains to the rental of private residential property.

PhillyTenant.Org

PhillyTenant.Org is your resource for tenant rights in Philadelphia. PhillyTenant.org is the product of a collaboration of legal services and advocacy organizations in Philadelphia including: AIDS Law Project; Community Legal Services; Dechert LLP; HELP: MLP; Landlord/Tenant Legal Help Center @ Municipal Court; Legal Clinic for the Disabled; Legal Help Center; Philadelphia Legal Assistance; Philly VIP; Regional Housing Legal Services; SeniorLAW Center; and Tenant Union Representative Network. The information provided on PhillyTenant.org is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For legal advice or representation, tenants should seek legal help.

Legal Assistance Program for Tenants and Homeowners in Pittsburgh

The Legal Assistance Program (LAP) of the Urban Development Program of Pittsburgh provides a variety of free housing legal services to eligible tenants and homeowners who live in the City of Pittsburgh. Income limits apply for services.

PhillyTenant.Org

PhillyTenant.Org is your resource for tenant rights in Philadelphia. PhillyTenant.org is the product of a collaboration of legal services and advocacy organizations in Philadelphia including: AIDS Law Project; Community Legal Services; Dechert LLP; HELP: MLP; Landlord/Tenant Legal Help Center @ Municipal Court; Legal Clinic for the Disabled; Legal Help Center; Philadelphia Legal Assistance; Philly VIP; Regional Housing Legal Services; SeniorLAW Center; and Tenant Union Representative Network. The information provided on PhillyTenant.org is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For legal advice or representation, tenants should seek legal help.

Carbon Self Service Center - Forms

Download forms and information from the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas

Philadelphia Eviction Diversion Program

The City of Philadelphia offers a FREE Eviction Diversion Program (EDP). The Program provides resources for landlords and tenants in residential rental properties to resolve issues while avoiding a costly or drawn-out court process. Per City Ordinance # 220655, landlord good faith participation in EDP is required before seeking a legal eviction through court. Resources may include mediation and funding that covers tenant’s rent arrears.

Tenant Landlord Digital Assistant (T/LDA) [Philadelphia Municipal Court - ONLY]

T/LDA (pronounced "Tilda") is a digital guide dog to walk you through a Landlord-Tenant case for non-payment of rent in the Philadelphia Municipal Court, one step at a time. How T/LDA can help: 1. T/LDA will ask you questions about your situation; 2. T/LDA will give you information about the court process and your options based on your answers; 3. T/LDA will direct you to other resources that can help. PLEASE NOTE: T/LDA is not a person or a lawyer and T/LDA does not give legal advice.

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