This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about issues relating to Your Right to a Safe Home in Pennsylvania.
When you rent a home, Pennsylvania law says that it must be a decent place to live. This right to a safe and sanitary home comes from a decision of the state Supreme Court. The court called this right the implied warranty of habitability.
The implied warranty of habitability applies in all cases where someone is renting a place to live—whether a house, an apartment, a mobile home, or a lot in a mobile home park. It applies whether you have a written lease or an oral agreement with your landlord and is in effect whether or not you and the landlord have specifically agreed to it.
Your landlord is not required to provide you with a perfect place to live, but the landlord must make repairs necessary to keep your home in a safe, sanitary, and healthy condition, provided that you as a tenant did not cause the damage.
If your home is in need of repairs you should try to work the problem out with your landlord in a way that's fair to both of you. If that doesn't work, then you should notify your landlord of the problem in writing and give the landlord a "reasonable" time to correct the problem. What is reasonable depends on the situation. The more serious the problem, the sooner it should be fixed.
If your case ends up in court, you want to be able to show the judge what the problem was, that you gave the landlord notice, and that the problem was not fixed within a reasonable time. You should collect evidence such as photos and witnesses to support your claims.
If your landlord does not fix the problems you have various thing you can do, depending on the circumstances.
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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)
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. (2012)
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. (2025)
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 Tenant Handbook
Detailed information about renting a residence 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 updated the Landlord-Tenant Handbook in July 2025.
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)
Repairs to a Rental Unit - Landlord's Duty To Make Repairs
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services on a landlord's legal duty to repair rental property. The Landlord has a duty to provide their tenant with housing that is safe, sanitary, and secure. However, your landlord has no duty to repair damages caused by you or your guests or to make improvements, such as painting the walls or replacing faded carpet, unless he or she specifically agreed to do so.
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.
How to Sue At the Office of the Magisterial District Judge
In Pennsylvania, people can bring lawsuits against individuals or businesses by filing a complaint at the office of a Magisterial District Justice. The advantage of filing with a Magisterial District Justice is that the system can work well without attorneys. The Magisterial District Justice can hear cases in which there is $12,000.00 or less at issue. This provides information from MidPenn Legal Services on how to file suit on small claims in your local Office of the Magisterial District Justice, formerly known as the District Justice, Justice of the Peace, or Magisterial District Judge. (July 2012)
Magisterial District Courts
Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on the operation of Magisterial District Courts in Pennsylvania.
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. Revised: November 2018.
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.
Carbon Self Service Center - Forms
Download forms and information from the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas
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.
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)
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. (2012)
Covenant of Quiet Enjoyment
Information from Northwestern Legal Services for tenants about your right to quiet enjoyment of your premises.
Housing Code Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet from MidPenn Legal Services outlining various house code issues and tenants rights. (May 2010)
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 Sue At the Office of the Magisterial District Judge
In Pennsylvania, people can bring lawsuits against individuals or businesses by filing a complaint at the office of a Magisterial District Justice. The advantage of filing with a Magisterial District Justice is that the system can work well without attorneys. The Magisterial District Justice can hear cases in which there is $12,000.00 or less at issue. This provides information from MidPenn Legal Services on how to file suit on small claims in your local Office of the Magisterial District Justice, formerly known as the District Justice, Justice of the Peace, or Magisterial District Judge. (July 2012)
Landlord Tenant Handbook
Detailed information about renting a residence 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 updated the Landlord-Tenant Handbook in July 2025.
Magisterial District Courts
Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on the operation of Magisterial District Courts in Pennsylvania.
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. Revised: November 2018.
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.
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. June 2010.
Repairs to a Rental Unit - Landlord's Duty To Make Repairs
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services on a landlord's legal duty to repair rental property. The Landlord has a duty to provide their tenant with housing that is safe, sanitary, and secure. However, your landlord has no duty to repair damages caused by you or your guests or to make improvements, such as painting the walls or replacing faded carpet, unless he or she specifically agreed to do so.
Tenants' Rights in Dealing with Bed Bugs
Information from North Penn Legal Services on Tenants' rights in dealing with a bed bug problem. Bed bugs are tiny wingless insects that survive solely on the blood of warm blooded animals. The number of bed bug infestations has risen dramatically. This provides information on legal and practical options for dealing with the problem. [PDF] (February 2014)
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.
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.
Warranty of Habitability
Information from Northwestern Legal Services on warranty of habitability and a landlord's responsibility to provide a safe home. (September 2018)
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. When you rent a home, Pennsylvania law says that it must be a decent place to live. This right to a safe and sanitary home comes from a decision of the state Supreme Court. The court called this right the implied warranty of habitability. Your landlord is not required to provide you with a perfect place to live. But the landlord must make repairs necessary to keep your home in a safe, sanitary, and healthy condition, provided that you did not cause the damage and provided you are current on your rent when the problems develop.
Renting a House or Apartment
A lease is an agreement between a landlord and a tenant. In the agreement, the landlord gives temporary possession of an apartment, house or property to the tenant in exchange for rent. Rent is usually money but can be property or services. Different laws may apply to manufactured home residents in manufactured home communities. This consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association explains the law involved in renting a home. [PDF] (September 2020)
Residential Tenant Rights
Information on rights of tenants from the Erie County Bar Association. Before you agree to rent, make sure you examine the house or apartment completely. Do not depend on the landlord to tell you about any defects in the property. If there is a written lease, read the lease carefully before you sign it. (August 2018)
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.
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. (2025)
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 to help people trying to maintain their housing.
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.
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.
Repairs & Security Deposit
Information from the Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania on renter's rights regarding repairs and security deposits.
Carbon Self Service Center - Forms
Download forms and information from the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas
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 to help people trying to maintain their housing.
Residential Tenant Rights
Information on rights of tenants from the Erie County Bar Association. Before you agree to rent, make sure you examine the house or apartment completely. Do not depend on the landlord to tell you about any defects in the property. If there is a written lease, read the lease carefully before you sign it. (August 2018)
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.