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.
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)
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.
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.
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)
Moving Before Your Lease Is Up?
Information about your rights and obligations, and your landlord's rights and opbligations when you move out before your lease is up. (June 2010)
Tenants' Rights in Dealing with Bed Bugs
Information from North Penn Legal Services on Tenants' rights in dealing with a bed bug problem. [PDF] (February 2014)
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)
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.
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.
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)
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.
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)
Housing Code Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet from MidPenn Legal Services outlining various house code issues and tenants rights. (May 2010)
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.
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.