Philadelphia Tenants Rights

Philadelphia Tenants Rights have expanded under recent legislation. On October 26, 2011 Philadelphia City Council passed § 9-804 of the Philadelphia Code. The ordinance expands tenants rights. Under the law tenants have rights in Philadelphia Landlord/Tenant Court to contest evictions. It is important that landlords and tenants are aware of tenant rights as they are […]
Notice to Vacate

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS OF A NOTICE TO VACATE In Pennsylvania a landlord must terminate a lease by providing the defendant a notice to vacate. The notice must be delivered to the tenant. The notice must state whether the tenant is being terminated for; 1.) breach of the lease; 2.) nonpayment of rent; or 3.) termination of […]
Filing an Ejectment in Philadelphia, PA

What is an Ejectment? In Philadelphia, there are two methods to remove an unwanted individual from your property: eviction and ejectment. Evictions are applicable where there is a landlord-tenant relationship between owner and occupant. For example, if the occupant has paid rent or signed a lease with you then you must file an eviction. Ejectments […]
Evict a Tenant in Philadelphia, PA

In this blog I will discuss ten steps to evict a tenant in Philadelphia, PA. In order to evict a tenant the landlord must have a legal basis. There are three legal bases to evict a tenant: breach of lease, termination of term, and nonpayment of rent. Evict a Tenant with a Strong Lease In […]
Motion to Complete Sheriff Sale (Pa.R.C.P. 2327)

A motion to complete sheriff sale may finalize a sale that was not completed at auction. If you were the winning bidder at a Philadelphia Sheriff Sale but did not pay the balance due within thirty (30) days of sale, you may still be able to purchase the property. Pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 2327 you […]
Motion to Set Aside Sheriff Sale (Pa.R.C.P. 3132)

A motion to set aside sheriff sale is a legal basis to recover properties sold at auction. In Philadelphia, owners of real estate have a legal obligation to pay taxes. If those taxes are not paid the City will enter a judgment against the property owner. If the judgments are not paid the City will […]
Breaking a Lease to Protect Your Rights

Is the Property Habitable? There are many things to consider in breaking a lease. In Philadelphia, PA every landlord has a legal obligation to provide fit and habitable property to the Tenant. See Pugh v. Holmes, 486 Pa. 272 (1979). For example, if the property you are living in requires serious repairs you may be […]
Houston v. Analaris Homes, (PLDCL) Does Not Cover Former Tenants

Houston v. Analaris Homes, (PLDCL) Does Not Cover Former Tenants Houston v. Analaris Homes, (PLDCL) Does Not Cover Former Tenants: The Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas recently heard the case of Houston v. Analaris Homes, 161101449. The case sheds light on topical issues surrounding the Philadelphia Lead Disclosure and Certification law (PLDCL). Section 6-809 of the […]
Philly Landlord-Tenant FAQs

Philly Landlord-Tenant FAQs Q: What documents do I need to file an eviction? A: At a minimum, to file an eviction in Philadelphia, PA you will need a Housing Inspection License, Certificate of Rental Suitability, Partner for Good Housing Handbook, Notice to Vacate, and a written or verbal lease. In some situations you may not need […]
What is the Philadelphia Lead Paint Ordinance?

What is the Philadelphia Lead Paint Ordinance? WHAT IS THE PHILADELPHIA LEAD PAINT ORDINANCE? The Philadelphia Lead Paint Disclosure Law (Chapter 6-800) requires landlords to certify that a property is “lead free” or “lead safe” before the property is rented to prospective tenants. According to the Ordinance which is enforced in Philadelphia Civil Court, a […]