Understanding Pennsylvania Eviction Process

Summary

In Pennsylvania, landlords must provide a 10-day notice for unpaid rent. If rent isnt paid within this period, eviction proceedings can begin. The notice period starts from the date the tenant receives the notice, not the date on the letter. After the 10-day period, if the rent isnt paid, the landlord can file an eviction lawsuit. If the court rules in favor of the landlord, they will issue an order of possession, typically giving the tenant 10-21 days to vacate. Landlords cannot withhold a tenants personal property without a court order. The presence of children does not prevent an eviction. Local resources for families facing eviction can be found at the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website.

Full Conversation

eviction issues. I received a letter about a * eviction
What state are you located in, ****? Eviction laws vary by state.
pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, landlords must provide tenants with a written notice before eviction. What is the reason stated in the eviction notice?
unpaid rent
In Pennsylvania, for unpaid rent:

- Landlords must provide a *-day notice to quit.
- If rent isn't paid within 10 days, eviction proceedings may begin.

For local court details, please provide your city.
Williamsport
The nearest court in Williamsport, PA is the Lycoming County Courthouse. Address: * W 3rd St, Williamsport, PA *. Phone: (*) *-*.
I need to show someone the letter we received and the text messages from the lanlord
Who do you want to show the letter and text messages to? It's important to keep all communication for your records.
someone who can tell me if it’s a legal document or not
Can you please describe the content of the letter and text messages you received from your landlord?
he text me yesterday and said he was sending his lawyer all paperwork to start the eviction. And the letter states the 10 day eviction was dated on august *.
What date did you actually receive the eviction notice? It's important as the *-day period starts from the date of receipt, not the date on the letter.
today
In Pennsylvania, the *-day notice period starts from the date you received the notice, not the date on the letter. So, your *-day period starts today.
ok. And if we can’t come up with the back rent does he then have to give us 30 days to get out?
In Pennsylvania, if the rent isn't paid within the *-day notice period, the landlord can start eviction proceedings immediately. There's no requirement for an additional *-day notice.
ok so what does that mean after the 10 days?
After the 10 days, if the rent isn't paid, the landlord can file an eviction lawsuit with the court. You'll be notified and given a court date.
ok so when would we have to be out of the property?
If the court rules in favor of the landlord in the eviction lawsuit, they will issue an order of possession. The timeline for vacating the property will be specified in this order.
ok can you give me an idea of what it might be?
In Pennsylvania, once the court issues an order of possession, you typically have *-21 days to vacate the property. However, the exact timeline can vary based on the court's decision.
ok thank you
You're welcome, ****. If you have any more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.
what my belongings he has locked in the garage?
What is the reason your landlord has locked your belongings in the garage?
I honestly don’t know. He had someone else come lock it and take the keys when we weren’t home
In Pennsylvania, a landlord cannot withhold a tenant's personal property without a court order. Have you asked your landlord for access to your belongings?
Yes I have
What was your landlord's response when you asked for access to your belongings?
He told us we had to be out by Friday and we could get our stuff
In Pennsylvania, it's illegal for landlords to hold tenants' belongings hostage. You may want to consider legal action if your landlord refuses to return your belongings.
Ok I will do that.
Do you have any written communication where your landlord refused to return your belongings? This could be useful in your legal proceedings.
do kids come into play when and eviction is given?
In Pennsylvania, the presence of children does not prevent an eviction. However, landlords must follow proper eviction procedures. It's important to seek local resources for families facing eviction.
ok do you know where I can look
You can look for local resources at the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website or contact the Lycoming County Assistance Office at (*) *-*.
ok thank you
You're welcome, ****. If you need further assistance, feel free to ask.