[PA] [PA] Can a landlord enter a property without proper notice?
First question — can a landlord at will invade your privacy and trespass around your house? I know he can't come in or let himself in.
Second question — if he does do these actions, especially when it states in the lease to notify 24 hours, and I got a text and explained what one of your attorneys told me to do — that he does not get inside and has to go to the magistrate to evict me — he just cannot print it out on paper, sign it, and hand it to me. It has to go through the legal process.
19
6
Solved
You’re right — let me break this down for you clearly, point by point, based on Pennsylvania law:
A landlord cannot invade your privacy or trespass around your house.
Even if it’s an “at will” tenancy, your landlord has no right to wander around areas you rent exclusively. They must give “reasonable notice” — usually 24 hours — before entering for a legitimate reason, like repairs.
If your lease requires 24-hour notice, it must be followed.
You can enforce this. Document every incident with photos, texts, and videos.
Eviction must go through legal process.
You’re correct — he cannot hand you a fake eviction notice. In Pennsylvania, eviction requires a filed complaint, a court date, and a judgment.
Borough ordinances are enforceable law.
Your landlord must comply with all local codes and laws. You can report violations to borough code enforcement.
0
Full Conversation
First question — can a landlord at will invade your privacy and trespass around your house? I know he can't come in or let himself in.
Second question — if he does do these actions, especially when it states in the lease to notify 24 hours, and I got a text and explained what one of your attorneys told me to do — that he does not get inside and has to go to the magistrate to evict me — he just cannot print it out on paper, sign it, and hand it to me. It has to go through the legal process.
Lexi, Chatbot
I'm sorry to hear about the invasion of your privacy by your landlord. Have they entered your property without permission?
In the state of Pennsylvania.
Lexi, Chatbot
Did you document the instances of your landlord trespassing and invading your privacy?
Yes. I have four adults that were inside my house, including me, along with security footage of him giving the camera the finger and having one of his two assistants go to my back door between the two houses. I understand the front door is public, but they’re not allowed to walk around my house.
This man does not comply with borough ordinances — I can prove that — which leads to my next question: if a borough ordinance is a law, then he has to comply, right? He can’t write his own lease and ignore local, state, or federal laws. Is that not so?
Lexi, Chatbot
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with your landlord’s invasion of privacy.
No
Andres Sanchez
Hello, my name is Andres Sanchez, and I’m an attorney with 20 years of experience. How are you?
Not too bad, but I’ve had much better days.
Andres Sanchez
I’m sorry to hear that you’re in this situation.
Andres Sanchez
You’re right — let me break this down for you clearly, point by point, based on Pennsylvania law:
A landlord cannot invade your privacy or trespass around your house.
Even if it’s an “at will” tenancy, your landlord has no right to wander around areas you rent exclusively. They must give “reasonable notice” — usually 24 hours — before entering for a legitimate reason, like repairs.
If your lease requires 24-hour notice, it must be followed.
You can enforce this. Document every incident with photos, texts, and videos.
Eviction must go through legal process.
You’re correct — he cannot hand you a fake eviction notice. In Pennsylvania, eviction requires a filed complaint, a court date, and a judgment.
Borough ordinances are enforceable law.
Your landlord must comply with all local codes and laws. You can report violations to borough code enforcement.
He’s been harassing me all week, trying to get into my house for non-emergencies. I have video of him being rude, giving me the finger. I know I don’t have to open my door unless police have a warrant.
He’s no better. I even texted him what the attorney told me — that eviction must go through court — and he replied, “What judge?”
Also, I live with my son, his 2-year-old, and his brother who’s visiting for summer. My son has a service dog, and ever since we sent the landlord a letter about it last July, the harassment hasn’t stopped. He stops me on the street when I’m walking the dog, even in front of a police officer and an animal control officer. He keeps saying the dog is illegal, but it’s a trained service dog.
Andres Sanchez
You’re absolutely right to be documenting everything. Here’s the legal breakdown:
Harassment over a service dog is illegal.
Under the Fair Housing Act, it’s unlawful to harass or retaliate against you for having a service animal. Once you gave written notice, he must comply — his opinion doesn’t matter.
You don’t have to open the door without notice.
He must give 24-hour notice for non-emergencies. You can ignore the door if he shows up unannounced.
Your video evidence helps.
Footage and texts showing harassment are key evidence for harassment or retaliation claims.
Only a judge can evict you.
His comments about “not knowing any judge” are meaningless. Only the magistrate can order an eviction.
Police or animal control can’t override federal service dog law.
The dog is protected by the ADA and Fair Housing Act. You can file a HUD complaint for housing discrimination.
My property is clearly marked with “No Trespassing” signs.
Should I file charges now or wait until he goes to the magistrate for eviction?
Andres Sanchez
You’re thinking smart — here’s how to handle it safely:
Trespass law matters.
With “No Trespassing” signs, unannounced entry is criminal trespass under 18 Pa.C.S. § 3503. Call the police if it happens.
Pepper spray — use extreme caution.
Only use it in true self-defense. Spraying a trespasser without immediate threat can lead to assault charges.
Safer steps:
- Keep doors locked.
- Tell trespassers to leave.
- Call police immediately.
- Keep recording.
Possible charges:
- Defiant trespass.
- Harassment.
- Invasion of privacy.
That was perfect. Thank you for your time — I appreciate it.
Andres Sanchez
You’re welcome. I’m glad I could help. Best of luck.
Andres Sanchez
22,292 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.
