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What steps can a landlord in Pennsylvania legally take if their tenant violates the lease agreement?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

As a landlord in Pennsylvania, there are several steps you can take if your tenant violates the lease agreement. The specific actions you can take will depend on the type of violation and the terms outlined in the lease agreement.

Here are some of the steps you can take:

  1. Send a notice to the tenant: You can send an official notice to the tenant outlining the terms of the lease agreement that have been violated. This notice should be sent via certified mail or delivered in person, and should specify the time frame in which the violation must be rectified. If the tenant fails to rectify the violation within the specified time frame, you can move forward with other legal actions.
  2. Evict the tenant: If the violation is serious, such as non-payment of rent or damage to the property, you may be able to evict the tenant. To do this, you will need to follow the legal eviction process. This usually involves filing an eviction notice with the court and attending a hearing. If the court rules in your favor, the tenant will be given a certain number of days to vacate the property.
  3. Withhold security deposit: If the tenant has caused damage to the property or owes rent, you can withhold all or part of the security deposit to cover these costs. You must provide an itemized list of damages and costs to the tenant within 30 days of the end of the lease.
  4. Sue the tenant: If the tenant has caused significant damage or owes a large amount of unpaid rent, you may be able to sue them in court. This process can be expensive and time-consuming, so it should only be used as a last resort.

It's important to note that there are limitations and exceptions to these actions, depending on the specific circumstances. For example, you cannot evict a tenant without following the legal eviction process, even if they have violated the lease agreement.

If you are unsure about your legal rights and options as a landlord, it's important to consult with a licensed attorney who can advise you on the best course of action based on your specific situation.