Can A Landlord Lock A Tenant Out Of An Apartment Without Taking Them To Court?

Home English FAQs Landlord/Tenant Pennsylvania

Can A Landlord Lock A Tenant Out Of An Apartment Without Taking Them To Court?

No. Selfhelp eviction is illegal in Pennsylvania and can give rise to an Unfair Trade Practices cause of action against the landlord as well as a cause of action for unlawful eviction and replevin (return of property illegally seized). Landlords must follow the procedures set forth in Pennsylvania statutes and the Rules of Court with regards to evictions.

Other Pennsylvania Landlord/Tenant FAQs

Q: What Should I Consider When Renting?
A: Before looking at apartments or rental houses, evaluate your living needs: Number of rooms, location, distance from shopping and public transportation, price and … More
Q: What Is A Lease?
A: A lease is an agreement between the landlord and the tenant which sets forth the particulars of the tenant`s use of the property. The lease defines the duration of the … More
Q: What Are My Rights As A Residential Tenant?
A: First and foremost in many states, the residential tenant is protected by the implied warranty of habitability. Habitability means that the leased premises must meet … More
Q: Does A Sublessor Have Any Rights Against The Landlord?
A: As a general rule, if the sublessor and the landlord both signed the sublease, the sublease constitutes a valid contract. In that case, any rights which the sublessor … More
Q: What Is A Security Deposit?
A: Before the tenant takes possession of the property, the landlord generally requires the tenant pay an additional amount of money as a security deposit. The purpose of … More
Q: What Are The Landlord's Duties?
A: In addition to any obligations imposed upon the landlord in the lease, the landlord assumes the obligation of keeping the structural and mechanical elements of the … More
Q: How Can The Landlord/Tenant Relationship End?
A: Most leases provide that either the landlord or tenant can end the landlord/tenant relationship by giving the other party written notice that the lease will not be … More
Q: Do I Need An Attorney?
A: Although some landlords and tenants negotiate the lease terms on their own, many parties want an attorney to represent them in negotiating and preparing a lease. … More
Q: How Is My Attorney Paid?
A: Your lawyer will probably want to be paid an hourly fee plus costs for preparation of documents and/or negotiating on your behalf. Some attorneys may agree to a fixed … More
Q: Can A Landlord Keep A Security Deposit?
A: It depends upon the tenant`s actions and the terms of the written lease (if any). If the lease does not forbid a landlord to keep a security deposit for unpaid rent, … More