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.
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’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.
Renting an Apartment (Video)
This "Renting an Apartment" video from North Penn Legal Services addresses many practical issues tenants and landlords should consider before entering into a lease agreement. Of particular interest to landlords is an extensive panel discussion on discriminatory advertising and rental practices. The format includes vignettes and a panel discussion. The video was originally produced by Susquehanna Legal Services which later became part of North Penn Legal Services. (24 minutes) (2011)
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)
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).
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.
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.
Tenants' Rights - Going to Court
Northwestern Legal Services provides general information for tenants regarding district justice court hearings.
Covenant of Quiet Enjoyment
Information from Northwestern Legal Services for tenants about your right to quiet enjoyment of your premises.
Defending An Action in Magisterial District Judge Court
Questions and Answers about defending an action in Magisterial District Court. (2018)
Housing Code Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet from MidPenn Legal Services outlining various house code issues and tenants rights. (May 2010)
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 Get Your Landlord to Make Repairs (Video)
Video from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, in conjunction with the Philadelphia Eviction Prevention Project, offering information on how to get your landlord to make necessary repairs to your rental property.
How to Keep Someone off Your Property
Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network about keeping people off your property and the law relating to defiant trespass.
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.
How to Protect Your Security Deposit
This informational brochure from Northwestern Legal Services provides an overview of what a security deposit is and why you should create a checklist upon moving into an apartment.
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’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.
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.
Manufactured Home Community Rights
Information from Northwestern Legal Services on Manufactured Home Community Rights, including eviction procedures, reasonable park rules and regulations, requirements relating to rent and fees.
Renting an Apartment (Video)
This "Renting an Apartment" video from North Penn Legal Services addresses many practical issues tenants and landlords should consider before entering into a lease agreement. Of particular interest to landlords is an extensive panel discussion on discriminatory advertising and rental practices. The format includes vignettes and a panel discussion. The video was originally produced by Susquehanna Legal Services which later became part of North Penn Legal Services. (24 minutes) (2011)
Repair & Deduct - Tenant's Right to a Safe and Decent Home
Informational guide from MidPenn Legal Services for tenants which explains their right to a safe and decent home and the right to deduct the cost of necessary repairs from future rents if the landlord fails to make repairs.
Security Deposits
Information for tenants from Northwestern Legal Services on the amount of security deposits, how to obtain the return of your deposit, the landlord's obligations, and what to do if the landlord refuses to return the deposit.
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)
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).
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.
Tenants Rights & Protections Against Utility Shutoffs
Outline of tenants rights from the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project regarding the termination of utility service in their rented homes or apartments.
Utilities Termination Issues
Information from MidPenn Legal Services outlining your consumer rights regarding utility terminations.
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.
Your Right as a Tenant to a Decent Home
This brochure from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network describes the right of a tenant to a safe and sanitary home.
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.