Eviction in Pennsylvania
State-specific overview · Property & Real Estate
Pennsylvania requires a 10-day notice for nonpayment and uses a summary ejectment process; eviction can proceed relatively quickly once judgment is entered.
How Pennsylvania treats Eviction
Pennsylvania's eviction process, called summary ejectment, begins with a 10-day notice to pay or quit for nonpayment of rent. If the tenant does not comply, the landlord files a complaint in the Court of Common Pleas. The court typically holds a hearing within 10–20 days, and if judgment favors the landlord, the tenant receives a final notice before the sheriff executes removal. The process is moderately fast and landlord-oriented.
The general definition of Eviction
The legal process by which a landlord removes a tenant from rental property.
Eviction is the formal legal process a landlord uses to force a tenant to leave the property. The landlord must have a valid reason—such as non-payment of rent, lease violation, or the end of the lease term—and must follow strict procedural rules, which vary by state. Typically, the landlord must give written notice (often 30 days or more), file a case in court, and obtain a judgment from a judge before the tenant can be physically removed. A tenant has the right to defend themselves in court and present their side of the story.
Read the full Eviction entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.