If a landlord limits your access to your belongings after an eviction in Pennsylvania, you have specific legal rights and steps to follow under Pennsylvania law:
-
You have 10 days from the postmark date of the landlord’s written notice to contact the landlord and arrange to retrieve your belongings. This notice must inform you that your items were left behind after eviction or moving out.
-
If you contact the landlord within those 10 days, the landlord must store your belongings for at least 30 days from the date of the notice. You must pick up your property within this 30-day period.
-
If you fail to contact the landlord within the initial 10 days, the landlord is legally allowed to dispose of or sell your belongings.
-
The landlord cannot charge you for retrieving your belongings if you do so within the first 10 days, but may charge for storage costs if you come after that period.
-
To respond effectively, you should notify your landlord both by phone and in writing (preferably a letter) of your intent to retrieve your belongings. Keep a copy of all correspondence for your records.
-
If the landlord unlawfully limits your access or disposes of your belongings without following these procedures, you may have grounds to seek legal remedies.
In summary, after eviction in Pennsylvania, you must act promptly—within 10 days of the landlord’s notice—to reclaim your belongings. The landlord is required to provide reasonable access and storage for up to 30 days if you respond timely. If access is denied or your property is disposed of improperly, you may consider legal advice to protect your rights.
🔴 Immediate Actions (Today or ASAP)
- Check for the landlord’s written notice: Find the letter or notice from your landlord informing you that your belongings were left behind after eviction or moving out. Note the postmark date carefully.
- Contact your landlord immediately: If you are within 10 days of the postmark date, call your landlord and tell them you want to retrieve your belongings.
- Send a written notice to your landlord: Write a clear letter or email stating your intent to pick up your belongings. Include your name, address, and the date. Keep a copy for your records.
- Document all communications: Save phone call details, emails, letters, and any responses from your landlord.
🟡 Short-Term Steps (This Week)
- Arrange a date and time to retrieve your belongings: Work with your landlord to schedule a pickup within the 30-day storage period.
- Gather proof of your identity and tenancy: Bring ID and any lease or eviction documents to prove your right to retrieve the property.
- Inspect your belongings carefully: When picking up your items, check their condition and take photos or videos as evidence.
- Keep receipts or records of any storage fees: If you pay storage fees, keep all receipts and document the charges.
- If landlord denies access or refuses to cooperate: Send a written demand letter requesting access, stating you know your rights under Pennsylvania law.
🟢 Strategic Follow-Up (Next 2-4 Weeks or Longer)
- Monitor deadlines closely: If you missed the 10-day window to contact the landlord, understand that they may legally dispose of your belongings.
- Consider legal action if your belongings were wrongfully withheld or disposed: Consult a lawyer or legal aid organization about possible claims for unlawful eviction practices or property loss.
- Keep all documentation organized: Maintain a file with all notices, correspondence, receipts, photos, and evidence of your attempts to retrieve property.
- Understand storage fee disputes: If you disagree with storage fees charged, seek advice to negotiate or challenge unreasonable fees.
- Plan for future tenancy: Learn from this experience to protect your rights in future rentals, such as requesting written move-out procedures and inventory lists.
Your Legal Rights in Pennsylvania
- Under Pennsylvania law, after eviction or moving out, landlords must send you a written notice if belongings are left behind.
- You have 10 days from the postmark date of that notice to contact the landlord to arrange retrieval.
- If you respond timely, the landlord must store your belongings for at least 30 days and provide reasonable access.
- The landlord cannot charge you for retrieval within the first 10 days but may charge reasonable storage fees afterward.
- If you do not respond within 10 days, the landlord may legally dispose of or sell your property.
- Landlords must follow these procedures; failure to do so may entitle you to legal remedies.
Where to Get Help
- Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (PLAN): Free legal assistance for low-income residents. Visit palegalaid.net or call 1-877-429-5994.
- Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency: For tenant rights and eviction resources. Website: phfa.org
- Local Tenant’s Rights Organizations: Search for tenant unions or advocacy groups in your county.
- Consumer Protection Section, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office: For complaints about landlord misconduct. Website: attorneygeneral.gov
- Small Claims Court: If you need to sue for property loss or damages, you can file in your local magisterial district court.
- Document Storage: Keep all notices, letters, photos, and receipts safely for any legal proceedings.
Become a member
Join legal professionals, students, and researchers working together to create a comprehensive, open-source legal encyclopedia.
Sign Up