[PA] How do I evict a tenant who vacated the property?
Hello, I’m reaching out regarding a tenant I have in Pennsylvania. The lease began on March 1, 2025, but I haven’t received any rent for April, and the tenant isn’t responding to any of my attempts to contact him. I served an official Notice to Pay or Quit on April 18, 2025, stating he must pay or vacate by April 28. There has still been no communication or payment. Also, the lease required a two-month deposit, but he only paid one month’s rent and one month’s deposit. He said he had a Zelle limit and promised to send the rest the next day. I realize now I was too trusting. With the 4/28 deadline approaching and still no word, I’m not sure how to confirm whether he’s moved out. Could you advise on the next legal steps, including confirming abandonment and regaining possession?
8
4
Solved
First, you’ve done the right thing by serving a Notice to Pay or Quit (68 P.S. Real and Personal Property Section 250.501). Under Pennsylvania law, abandonment can be presumed if:
- The tenant has vacated and given written notice,
- The lease has ended through eviction/expiration, or
- The tenant has been gone for 10+ days after rent was due and hasn't responded.
After the April 28 deadline, inspect the property. Look for signs like disconnected utilities, uncollected mail, or missing personal items. If only low-value items are left behind, that may suggest abandonment.
If you conclude the property is abandoned, secure any items left behind and store them carefully. Provide written notice to the tenant. They have 10 days from the postmark to retrieve their belongings or request storage (up to 30 days), and you may charge reasonable storage fees.
If there’s no response after the 10-day window, you can reclaim the property. However, to fully protect yourself, you’ll likely need to file an eviction lawsuit to get a judgment for possession. This involves a court hearing and potentially a writ of possession.
Keep detailed records and documentation throughout the process.
0
Pennsylvania Eviction Notice Form
Create Document
Full Conversation
Hello, I’m reaching out regarding a tenant I have in Pennsylvania. The lease began on March 1, 2025, but I haven’t received any rent for April, and the tenant isn’t responding to any of my attempts to contact him. I served an official Notice to Pay or Quit on April 18, 2025, stating he must pay or vacate by April 28. There has still been no communication or payment. Also, the lease required a two-month deposit, but he only paid one month’s rent and one month’s deposit. He said he had a Zelle limit and promised to send the rest the next day. I realize now I was too trusting. With the 4/28 deadline approaching and still no word, I’m not sure how to confirm whether he’s moved out. Could you advise on the next legal steps, including confirming abandonment and regaining possession?
Legal Eagle
Good afternoon and welcome to AskaLawyer. Please give me a moment to review your question.
Thanks.
Legal Eagle
First, you’ve done the right thing by serving a Notice to Pay or Quit (68 P.S. Real and Personal Property Section 250.501). Under Pennsylvania law, abandonment can be presumed if:
- The tenant has vacated and given written notice,
- The lease has ended through eviction/expiration, or
- The tenant has been gone for 10+ days after rent was due and hasn't responded.
After the April 28 deadline, inspect the property. Look for signs like disconnected utilities, uncollected mail, or missing personal items. If only low-value items are left behind, that may suggest abandonment.
If you conclude the property is abandoned, secure any items left behind and store them carefully. Provide written notice to the tenant. They have 10 days from the postmark to retrieve their belongings or request storage (up to 30 days), and you may charge reasonable storage fees.
If there’s no response after the 10-day window, you can reclaim the property. However, to fully protect yourself, you’ll likely need to file an eviction lawsuit to get a judgment for possession. This involves a court hearing and potentially a writ of possession.
Keep detailed records and documentation throughout the process.
Thank you so much. Just to be clear—even if the tenant has already moved out, I still have to go to court?
Legal Eagle
Yes, unfortunately, you do. You're very welcome.
Thank you.
Legal Eagle
Legal Eagle
128,690 satisfied customers
5 lawyers online now
20
6
Answered 3 days ago
11
4
Answered 4 days ago
Disclaimer
By messaging AskaLawyer.com, you agree to our Terms and have read our Privacy Policy.
The information provided on AskaLawyer.com is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented, we make no guarantees regarding its completeness or applicability to your specific circumstances.
Use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and AskaLawyer.com or any of its attorneys. Communications through this website, including any responses from attorneys, are not privileged or confidential. For advice tailored to your individual situation, we recommend consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
AskaLawyer.com disclaims any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this site. We are not responsible for any third-party content that may be accessed through this website. Reliance on any information provided herein is solely at your own risk.
